-How do you assess the Armenian-French economic relations?

– In 2006 France was number 16 in the list of the countries that made investments in Armenia. Today, thanks to such large investors as “Pernod Ricard”, “Orange” and other companies, it has moved forward to the 5th position, beating the USA in this list. Annual commodity circulation in Armenia by France totals million, out of which only million returns to France. Disparity is great. To the Armenian-French cooperation forum I’ve invited over 20 Armenian businessmen from Marseilles, who are to make investments in Armenia. Large companies proved by their own example that it is time for small and medium enterprises to make investments. 20 businessmen are to cooperate in 4 different spheres, founding joint enterprises in the fields of tourism, agriculture, light industry, and high technology. I organized a business forum in Marseilles on September 30, during which the peculiarities of the Armenian market were revealed.

-And what can you say about the Armenian-French cultural cooperation?

-The decree on cooperation in the fields of education, culture, sport and programs for youth is still in force. It was signed between the Vice-Mayor of Marseilles and the Mayor of Yerevan in 1992 and was amended twice in 2001 and 2007. The Municipality of Marseilles has called on big cities of Europe to organize a competition under the title “Sport as a harmonious link between states”. Five cities, including Yerevan, are to participate in this competition. We also cooperate with the French University in Armenia, whose students receive practical training in enterprises of Marseilles every year. Currently the Municipality of Marseilles finances the tuition and housing fee of one student a year. Within the framework of the same collaboration we conducted a retraining course for Armenian librarians in Marseilles. On the whole, there is rather active collaboration in these fields. Let me also say that as the Vice-Mayor of Marseilles, I have the authority to officially invite the Mayor of Yerevan to Marseilles. I’m sure the return visit will follow in 2012.

– What role does the Armenian community of Marseilles play in the life of the city and that of the country?

-The Armenian community of Marseilles plays a very important role. It is powerful and demanding. Armenians form 10% of the population of the city. Back in 2001 the National Assembly of the city adopted a law on recognition of the Armenian Genocide. But there is also the bill on Criminalization of the Armenian Genocide Denial, which has not been passed yet. It was submitted to the Senate in first reading, but was discarded there. To achieve success, I have created a website for collecting signatures from Armenians all over the world, who ask the senators to vote for the adoption of the bill. We cannot allow the Vice President of Turkey to deny the Armenian Genocide during his visits to France. The denying policy must be penalized.

-Taking into account the powerful and demanding nature of the Armenian community of Marseilles, let us also speak about how the community treats the possibility of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement.

-I, myself, had a positive attitude towards opening of the border and signing of the Armenian-Turkish Protocols, as dialogue is preferable in itself. I think the RA President adopted a brave policy, but, as always, the Turks deceived. And now it is the proper time for the French Senate to pass the bill on Criminalization of the Armenian Genocide Denial. After the football diplomacy I launched a new, business diplomacy to develop cooperation between Armenian, Turkish and French businessmen, with the hope that the border would open soon. This project was approved by the industrial councils of the three countries, but it became totally useless as Turkey once again deceived and became a laughingstock in front of the whole world.

-The Armenian-French collaboration is multi-lateral and effective. Is there a similarity between the difficulties these two countries face?

-I’ve noticed that Armenia now faces a problem which was present in France 40 years ago: Paris and the French desert. You face the same situation here: Yerevan and the Armenian desert. The other day, together with my children I visited a nursery school in Byurakan. 50 children attended this nursery school, living in cold and unfavorable conditions. Our family decided to help the school to change the heating system and the windows. I would like the Armenian-French cooperation to cross the borders of Yerevan and penetrate into the regions of Armenia.

-Will you, please, tell about your family and about your visit to Armenia?

-I am extremely happy to have visited the hometown of my kinsmen with all the 40 members of my family. It was my dream to have a son. My wife and I were happy to have 2 lovely daughters, Taguhi and Thea, but my wife had promised to make me double blissful with the birth of our son, whom we were to call Sevan and baptize him in Holy Apostles church of Sevan. There is only happiness in our hearts; our dream has come true. We experienced unspeakable and strong emotions, as all our family were on the native land, celebrating the christening of my son. I’m looking forward to the time when my 2 daughters will be old enough to participate in the program “Ari Tun”, organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora. As for my origin, let me say that both me and my parents were born in France, but my grandma and grandpa were born in Bursa and Kutahya. They moved to France in 1920 and worked long to integrate into the life of Marseilles. My parents followed their example. I’m the third generation and we are already able to live at ease and rather well off. Today, Marseilles has given me everything. It gave my parents the opportunity to start a business, so I decided to devote myself to the welfare of this city. I’m also an entrepreneur and have the honor to dress the most beautiful women in the world. My plans include opening another Didier Parakian store here in Armenia.