Yerevan became “World Book Capital-2012”
In the evening of April, 22, the capital of Armenia was officially granted the title of “World Book Capital-2012” from Buenos Aires.
During the award ceremony Mayor of the capital of Argentina Mauricio Macri granted this honorary title to Mayor of Yerevan Taron Markaryan.
Most of the speakers at the ceremony emphasized that the choice of the capital of Armenia was no accident. There was a strict selection among the candidates but Yerevan presented the most interesting program attaching the greatest importance to freedom of expression and paying special attention to children.
Masters of the Argentinean tango, Armenian national dance group and National dance group from Bangkok which will become World Book Capital in 2013 danced at the ceremony.
The ceremony ended in fireworks, News.am reports.
In June, 2001, UNESCO announced its decision according to which Yerevan would be proclaimed World Book Capital in 2012. Great Britain and China also submitted applications as nominees for the title of World Book Capital. UNESCO gave preference to Armenia because this year it will celebrate the 500th anniversany of the first printed book in the Armenian Language.
![Tumso Abdurakhmanov. Screenshot from video posted by Abu-Saddam Shishani [LIVE] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIR3s7AB0Uw](/system/uploads/article_image/image/0001/18460/main_image_Tumso.jpg "Tumso Abdurakhmanov. Screenshot from video posted by Abu-Saddam Shishani [LIVE] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIR3s7AB0Uw")