YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS:

Jules Bastien-Lepage statue by Auguste Rodin was solemnly opened today at the France Square in Yerevan. President of France Nicolas Sarkozy said at the opening that the statue made by Roden will accomplish the appearance of the Square. He reminded that world famous sculptor has close ties with Armenia.

Sarkozy also expressed delight for being in Armenia after few days of marking the 20th anniversary of Armenia's independence. He said Roden belongs to the intellectuals who condemned the mass pogroms that were pre-signs of the tragedy the Armenian people suffered.

"From the very beginning Armenia was in the heart of France. Our two countries are very similar with their national profile. Like Armenia, France has history of millenniums and is connected with its culture", Sarkozy said adding that the roots of Armenia and France go deep to history.