Armenians Light Candles for Paris Attack Victims

YEREVAN — Hundreds of Armenians turned out in the capital Yerevan’s France Square in the evening of Saturday to commemorate the victims of the coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris.

Hundreds of candles were lit in memory of more than a hundred people killed in one of the worst acts of terrorism in the history of France.

Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian also came to the square to pay homage to the victims.

Speaking at an event held the same day at the Musa Dagh Memorial in Armenia’s Armavir Province on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Mount Musa Heroic Battle, the Armenian president addressed the Paris attacks and expressed solidarity with the French nation.

“It [the Musa Dagh self-defense] was one of the heroic episodes of the Armenian history to which our French brothers made an invaluable contribution. Hundred years have passed but our sense of gratitude has not weakened even a bit,” Sarkisian said.

“Unfortunately, by the irony of fate we witnessed last night terrorist attacks, unprecedented terrorist acts by their scale, committed at the heart of France – Paris. All of us are deeply shocked by it.

“I strongly condemn those terrific and ghastly actions which claimed multiple innocent lives.

“In recent years, the growth of this kind of inhuman violence in different countries of the world gives rise to serious concerns. I am confident that each member of the civilized community will join the struggle against this evil facing of us. We must not allow violence, extremism and intolerance to prevail. We are obliged to make concerted efforts at revealing and eradicating all those factors which cause such horrible manifestations of extremism.

“In this difficult time, Armenia stands beside the brotherly country of France and is ready to provide full support.

“I express my deepest sympathy to French President Francois Hollande, the friendly people of France and to the victims’ relatives, wishing patience, strength and vigor to them and a speedy recovery to the injured.

Our prayers, hearts and souls are with the French people,” the Armenian leader said.