Monday, 2 December 2013
“United Cross” Monument - Armenian-Russian Friendship Emblem - Unveiled In Yerevan
Symbolizing the Armenian-Russian friendship, the “United Cross” monument was unveiled today in Yerevan.
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and RF Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov, the co-chairs of the Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, attended today the inauguration of “United Cross” monument in Yerevan, which symbolizes the age-old friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples. The event was attended by Republic of Armenia President Serzh Sargsyan
Congratulating those present, the Prime Minister stated in part:
“Dear Mr. President,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Mr. Sokolov,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are taking part in the opening ceremony of a monument to the friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples. It is symbolic that this memorable event is held on the sidelines of RF President Vladimir Putin’s State visit to Armenia.
This elegant composition, thanks to the work of the sculptor, is the embodiment of those deep feelings and emotions binding our two peoples. It symbolizes the rich traditions of human relations and cultural ties between Armenia and Russia. The monument is the reflection of our shared history and the spiritual groundwork, on which we have been building multifaceted relationship.
As a matter of fact, the Armenian-Russian ties are of special and unique character. They go far beyond the boundaries of strategic partnership and dynamically developing cooperation relations and, therefore, they cannot be represented through simple quantitative data.
Our relations are grounded on mutual support and friendship, which are based on a community of values. They passed the test of time, tempered on the battlefields of two world wars and managed to counteract all the challenges of the modern world. Created by remarkable sculptor Friedrich Soghoyan, this monument is a message to and a reminder for future generations about these values providing a solid foundation for the future.”
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister thanked architects Razmik and Tigran Manukyans, as well as Moscow-based Armenians Sergei Hambartsumyan and Makar Nahapetyan for valuable contribution to the realization of the idea of monument construction.
Those present were also welcomed by RF Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov, who in his greeting speech stated in part,
“Dear President of the Republic of Armenia,
Mr Prime Minister,
Mr Soghoyan,
Today is really a significant day in the history of the deeply-rooted Armenian-Russian relationship. Inaugurated in Yerevan with an analogue in Moscow, the monument symbolizes the ancient history of our two peoples that was forged over many centuries of friendship and mutual assistance. They were based on Christian morality, as evidenced by the cross depicted in the center of the composition. The relations between Armenia and Russia are of strategic importance, as evidenced by today’s visit of highest State level, indicates that a completely new, very important development-oriented era is starting in our history.”
Installed at the intersection of Moskovian-Nalbandian-Isaakyan streets of Yerevan, the 4.5 m tall “United Cross” monument is made of gray-white granite. It represents two women personifying the friendly Armenian and Russian peoples with their heads bowed in front of a cross - the symbol of one faith – protecting in this way the cross itself.
In 1997, on the occasion of the 850th anniversary of Moscow, a similar monument was erected downtown Moscow - in the park at Nikitsky Gate - to become the symbol of friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples.
