GYUMRI, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. In accordance with the decision of the CIS country leaders' council, Gyumri has been declared CIS Cultural Capital 2013. On the order of the Minister of Territorial Administration of the Republic of Armenia Armen Gevorgyan the special commission, including a number of Shirak Regional Administration and Gyumri Municipality representatives, composed and introduced to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia the program of events based on the public discussions. "Armenpress" had a conversation with the Adviser of the Shirak Governor and Honored Art Worker Hasmik Kirakosyan.

- Gyumri has always been cultural capital. Is the city ready to assume the title of CIS Cultural Capital 2013?

- Gyumri is always ready, because this city has been created to be a city of arts. Culture is the age-old wealth of our city. Nobody and nothing can abolish this, even the earthquake. Gyumri really remained a city, which gave birth to art and always strived to it. This is a unique psychological and moral moment, and this is very useful for the city. Gyumri has always been the first in arts.

- What will Gyumri introduce to the guests?

- When we have guests, first of all we want to learn about their preferences and even tastes. We are already collecting and summing up our "wealth", compensate the shortcomings, study cultural ensembles, objects, museum system, infrastructures, and external view of the city. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interview by Armenuhi Mkhoyan