MINISTER OSKANIAN RECEIVES "GROSSO D'ORO VENEZIANO" AWARD IN VENETO

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Grosso d'Oro Veneziano award was bestowed on Armenia¹s Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian by the Masi Foundation of Italy's Veneto Region, on September 24. The prize is a special award on an international level for individuals who have contributed to the cause of peace and brotherhood among nations. It was conferred on Minister Oskanian for his contribution to Armenia¹s integration into European structures, to the deepening of

Armenia-Italy ties, and for his active involvement in peace talks. In the 8th century St. George Cathedral in Verona, before several hundred Italian intellectuals, artists and businessmen, the Masi Foundation held its 25th awards ceremony. After receiving the award ­ a sculpture in silver, decorated with grapes as well as designs from ancient khachkars, and topped with a gold medal­ the Minister spoke about Armenia's determination to pursue the path of European integration. He also spoke about traditional Armenian-Italian ties and the upcoming Italian-Armenian Days in Yerevan. During the ceremony, other awards were also given to those who protect and promote Veneto's historic legacy and cultural values. The Masi Foundation, in line with its guiding philosophy and with an original policy for recognizing subtle changes in the world, awarded prizes for excellence in education, medicine, theater, fashion, as well as in the area of vinoculture. The Masi Foundation was created and is run by the descendants of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri.The only other recipient of the Grosso d'Oro Veneziano has been Slovenia's former President, Milan Kucan.