The Armenian president, Mr. Robert Kocharian, arrived on a friendly visit to Plovdiv yesterday. Based on the interview with him in the Maritsa newspaper today, taken by Valentina Yeremieva, we learn that it is Robert Kocharian?s first visit ever to our city. He liked Plovdiv a lot, and especially that fusion between the old part, the museums, and the modern rhythm of life of the Plovdiv residents. According to Mr.Kocharian?s words, it is quite possible to be thinking about establishing a Consular section, in case such a necessity arises.
Robert Kocharian was born on Aug. 31st, 1954, and in 1982 he graduated from the Electro-Technical Faculty of the Erevan Polytechnic Institute. He was elected for President of the Republic of Armenia on March 30th, 1998, and this year was re-elected for a second mandate.
Plovdiv comprises the largest part of the Armenian community, living in Bulgaria. They are around 6000 people permanently living here, and around 4000 temporary resident. The Armenian President met his compatriots in the yard of the Armenian Church ?Surp Kevork?. His appeal to them was to return to their motherland. Here, he was met in an official ceremony by the Mayor of Plovdiv, Dr Ivan Chomakov.