YEREVAN – Azg newspaper’s 25th anniversary was celebrated on March 2 in an event organized by the Department of Journalism at Yerevan State University (YSU).
Dean Naghash Martirosyan of the Department of Journalism began the event and presented all the noted guests. He said, “Azg never has experienced a crisis of confidence. We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the newspaper in 2016, when two great anniversaries take place – the 25th anniversaries of independence of the Republic of Artsakh, and the Republic of Armenia. Azg, edited by Hakob Avetikyan, is testimony to the fact that it has a unique responsibility to the printed word.”
Hrayr Cholyan, advisor to the president of Armenia’s National Assembly, read on this occasion Galust Sahakyan’s congratulatory words. Armenia’s Minister of the Diaspora Hranoush Hakobyan applauded the chief editor and founder of the newspaper Avetikyan, and said, “Today is a great anniversary in the world of Armenian journalism. … I wish to warmly congratulate you on this beautiful anniversary and wish for new anniversaries. It has become clear that Azg is greater than the independence of Armenia. We proclaimed independence on September 21, while Azg was established on February 16. This means that the ADL [Armenian Democratic Liberal Party] of the diaspora arose, became excited and enthused, and set to work for the state which declared its independence. The first steps of the daily newspaper Azg were very difficult since there were only two hours of light [electric] in Armenia at that time. We were living in an energy crisis and conditions of war. Azg became a newspaper which consoled us and provided us with spiritual nourishment. I think the name of the newspaper is very symbolic. The newspaper grew up together with our state. It remained unyielding and true. Azg’s role is for us special since it became the most splendid platform for the interpretation of Armenian-diaspora relations, and for indicating paths for overcoming challenges and difficulties.” Hakobyan bestowed upon Avetikyan her ministry’s Hakob Meghapart medal.
A letter of congratulations from the minister of culture was read, and the instructions of the rector of YSU to bestow upon Avetikyan the YSU gold commemorative medal.
Davit Petrosyan, Yervad Ter-Khachatryan and Harout Sassounian spoke, while students read sections of various articles from Azg. Samvel and Anoush ran the entire ceremony.
Astghik Gevorgyan, president of the Union of Journalists, confessed that she is an unfailing reader of Azg. She added, “Azg is a responsible and highly quality newspaper. You will not find gossilp or unfounded news there. Hakob Avetikyan has earned all our gifts. We have given as much gold as we have. I am very happy that I am a contemporary of Avetikyan.”
