Gérard Depardieu: Armenian nation survived Genocide thanks to its culture

PanARMENIAN.Net - On September 4, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan received renowned French actor Gérard Depardieu, who is on a visit to Armenia as an honorary guest of Karot international festival.

Greeting the guest, Mr. Sargsyan expressed his gratitude to all people who contribute to development of Armenia’s culture.

According to the President, Gérard Depardieu’s participation in Armenian cultural events is a great contribution to development of the Armenian culture.

“The Armenian people is very impressionable, we consider ourselves to be a nation, which appreciates culture. And we think that culture makes the basis of our national identity,” said Mr. Sargsyan.

For his part, Gérard Depardieu said that he knows the Armenian Genocide survivors’ heirs residing in France. “I am also glad to be here in Armenia. I know many Armenians residing in France, who managed to live and build their life after the Armenian Genocide due to their culture and ability to survive,” said Gérard Depardieu, naming well-known representatives of the Armenian community of France - Henri Verneuil, Jansem and Charles Aznavour.

“That’s why I happily accepted the invitation of the Armenian Cultural Development Fund. If a country has such deep traditions and interesting geography, it means that its people are tolerant, generous and rich,” concluded Gérard Depardieu.