Mr. President,

Dear Colleague, Minister Støre,

Dear Madam Greve,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, in the center of our capital, I would say in the heart of Yerevan, we are unveiling the statue of Fridtjof Nansen, one of the greatest friends of the Armenian people.

Indeed, it is in the heart of Yerevan as a testimony to the extent the Armenian people cherish in their hearts the memory of their venerable friends.

This statue adds to the several schools, streets, orphanages and hospitals bearing the name of Nansen, scattered across Armenia - in Yerevan, Spitak, Gyumri, Vanadzor and elsewhere - signifying the warmth and reverence of the Armenian people towards the fond memory and name of Nansen.

The human memory is a special sieve of history, which preserves with particular gratitude the illuminating names of those, who have devoted their lives to sowing seeds of kindness for the sake of the highest universal values.

One of those illuminating names is that of Fridtjof Nansen, who sowed those seeds in different parts of the world and today those seeds are sprouting through events and ceremonies dedicated to the 150th anniversary of his birth, organized in various countries of the world, including, indeed, in Armenia.

Rendering assistance during the most difficult period for the Armenian people, Nansen saved not only hundreds of thousands of Armenians, but also our nation’s shaken belief that the human being was created in God’s likeness, that inside a human being the goodness can not be overtaken by evil.

Is there any greater mission than saving a belief, a belief towards the human nature, a belief not only towards one’s own future, but also towards the future of humankind, a belief that April 24 will be followed by April 25?

Fridtjof Nansen, League of Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees was also among the first who unequivocally condemned the first Genocide of the 20th century and disclosed the true nature of the policies of the Ottoman Empire by his reports and lectures at high international instances and political forums. He promoted the protection of people’s rights to the agenda of the League of Nations.

That is why Armenia could not stay idle in celebrating the 150’s anniversary of Fridtjof Nansen and that is why 2011 is declared in Armenia a year of homage to this eminent and great humanist.

We are delighted and thankful that Mrs. Marit Greve, granddaughter of Fridtjof Nansen, has made a long journey all the way from Norway to participate at this remarkable event.

This is also an opportunity to thank Mr. Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, who is on official visit to Yerevan and who has kindly joined us for this event. Dear colleague, through you I would like to convey Armenia’s gratitude to the Norwegian people for endowing humanity with such a son, and our people with such a friend.
Today, I would also like to recall Bodil Catharina Bjorn, another great Norwegian whose name is very dear to the hearts of Armenians as well. For thousands of Armenian orphans who escaped the Genocide, this Norwegian became a compassionate mother inspiring love and warmth. As a tribute to the memory of the two great Norwegians, Fridtjof Nansen and Bodil Catharina Bjorn, a soil from their graves is interred in the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.

For the Armenian people Nansen and Bjorn forever symbolize Norway, the kindliness and goodwill of Norwegians, as well as commitment to the protection of human and people’s rights. Their legacy underpins the Armenian-Norwegian friendship and serves a source of inspiration for our two friendly peoples.
I would also like to thank and congratulate all those thanks to who Fridtjof Nansen will henceforth be in the heart of our capital.

Indeed, in the heart of Yerevan, as a testimony to the extent the Armenian people cherish in their hearts the memory of their venerable friends.

Thank you.