Turkey didn't want to sell them
The tree-planting began with the blessing by leader of the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese, Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan.
The tree-planting, which serves as a sign of remembrance and peace, was organized by the Foundation for Preserving the Wilderness and Cultural Values within the framework of "Kanach Serund" (Green Generation) drive with support from "VivaCell-MTS".
Participating in the tree-planting were Armenian officials and artists, representatives of foreign embassies accredited in Armenia, as well as representatives of international and non-governmental organizations.
In his speech, Director of the Foundation for Preserving the Wilderness and Cultural Values Ruben Khachatryan said the fir trees would become a green bridge linking the past and the present. He told "A1+" that the saplings were brought from 4 cities of Western Armenia, including Kars, Ardahan, Ardvin and Bayazet. They were brought with difficulty because the "Turkish side gave a political evaluation of the initiative and refused to sell saplings at first."
Director of the Armenian Genocide museum-institute Hayk Demoyan said the day was historical and symbolical because it was Earth Day and Armenians have their lost land they call "Ergir".
"Two pieces of land will join together and give birth to the evergreen tree, which will be the symbol of our never-ending struggle and the immortality of our memory," said Demoyan.
Today 23 valuable books were donated a to the Armenian Genocide museum-institute's library as well.
A large part of the books was obtained from the US with support from Director General of "VivaCell-MTS" Ralph Yerikian. Individuals and organizations also participated.
