Azerbaijani film festival fails in Gyumri (video)

 April 12, 2012 - 14:23 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - On April 12, about 50 activists representing political and non-governmental organizations gathered on Central Square in the city of Gyumri to oppose the so-called festival of Azerbaijani films, an event organized by Georgy Vanyan, pro-Azerbaijani activist who has repeatedly tried to promote Azerbaijani ideas in Armenia.

In Yerevan, about 20 youth activists gathered at Aram Khachatryan monument with posters saying “NO to grant-taker Vanyanogly and anti-Armenian activities”.

They handed in an open letter to the Ministry of Culture which, in particular, said: “Armenia has neither diplomatic nor cultural ties with Azerbaijan; therefore, organization of such festivals should be banned in Armenia once and for all,” action participant Edgar Khachatryan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

A protester in Gyumri, Vazgen Martirosyan said that they have blocked the entrance to Asparez club where films were expected to be screened.

Earlier, participants of the action entered Asparez club to negotiate with Georgy Vanyan; following the talks, Vanyan said no screening will take place if he is allowed to leave the scene.

“He rushed to jump into the car and left, rather fled, with eggs and other things thrown towards his vehicle,” Martirosyan said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture told the protesters it was unaware of the “festival”. The officials will respond to the letter on April 13, pledging to look into the matter.

It is worth noting that Caucasus Center of Peace-Making Initiatives NGO was going to organize a so-called festival of Azerbaijani films in the city of Gyumri.

The idea came from Georgy Vanyan who got a grant from the U.S. embassy in Armenia for this purpose. He had earlier attempted to hold such festivals, which however, have all failed again.