The Armenian Presidency of the Council of Europe gifted a stained-glass window called “The Power of Unity” to PACE, which will embellish the upper facade of the Assembly Chamber. The official ceremony in Strasbourg was attended by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.
President Sargsyan thanked talented artist Arev Petrosyan for the impressive work. Also, he expressed gratitude to all those, who made the installation of the stained-glass window possible.
“About 13 years ago – on January 25, 2001 – Armenia became a full member of the Council of Europe, thus joining the large European family. This shrine of democracy became home to us, Armenians, as for the rest of 800 mln Europeans,” the President said.
“In 2001 Armenia was 10 years-old, today it’s 22. “Growing up” in this family for over twenty years, Armenia has created solid bases and tools for democracy, protection of human rights and rule of law,” President Sargsyan added.
“Please, accept this stained-glass window as a modest contribution to the construction of our common house. Peoples represented in the Council of Europe are different with their history and past, but united around common universal values. They have created these values, paving the way for a common future. This work symbolizes our common strength in its unity and harmonious diversity,” the Armenian President said.
In the foyer of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the council of Europe, Jean-Claude Mignon, CoE Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland and Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks watched Arev Petrosyan’s trilogy titled “Love,” “Freedom” and “Consciousness” also symbolizing the power of unity. The pictures were gifted to Jean-Claude Mignon, Thorbjørn Jagland and Nils Muižnieks.
Upon the conclusion of the visit, President Serzh Sargsyan attended the ceremony of signing of the Protocol 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights. Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian signed the protocol on behalf of Armenia.
