Thank You to Armenians: Jonathan Lacôte

The Ambassador of France to Armenia, Jonathan Lacôte, expressed his gratitude on his Facebook page.

“Thank you to the Armenians who, following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, expressed their condolences to us in connection with the death of Jacques Chirac. Each of them honored Chirac as a statesman, a friend of Armenia, and a steadfast supporter.”

During President Chirac's tenure, on January 29, 2001, the law 2001-70 was adopted, according to which the only article states, “France publicly recognizes the Armenian Genocide of 1915,” thus making France the first country in the world to recognize the Armenian genocide through a legislative act.

Armenians fondly remember that Jacques Chirac was the first President of the French Republic to make a state visit to Armenia in 2006. Many share with me their memories of the President's emotional acceptance by Armenians, his attentiveness to everyone, and his willingness to listen to each person.

It was at President Chirac's initiative that the 'Armenia, My Friend' Year of Armenian Culture was launched in France in 2007. A great connoisseur of ancient languages and civilizations, Jacques Chirac could not remain indifferent to the preservation of Armenian culture, its identity, and its memory.

The Embassy of France in Armenia will open a mourning book on Friday, September 27, and Monday, September 30, from 15:00 to 17:00.