The ceremony laying the foundation for the construction of a park named after benefactor Andrey Rapoport was held in Stepanakert, the capital of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Andrey Rapoport has established friendly ties with the NKR through the efforts of notable Armenian businessman Ruben Vardanyan. Rapoport is Russia’s former Prime Minister and a friend of businessman Anatoly Chubays, as well as one of the supporters of reforms in Russia. From 2002 to 2009, he has headed the networking company as Ruben Vardanyan’s replacement. In the 1990s, he and Ruben Vardanyan established Skolkovo and became one of the founding partners of that remarkable school. Rapoport’s interest in Artsakh can only be considered as appreciable since certain Russian businessmen have already understood that Artsakh has perspectives for prosperity, has tremendous potential and that anyinvestment and charity wil be completely justified.

NKR President Bako Sahakyan also participated in the ceremony. He said the construction of such a park was in demand that attached importance to the aesthetic and practical significance for the citizens and guests in Stepanakert. The NKR President highly appreciated the attending benefactor’s contribution to Artsakh’s development and mentioned that it’s important from the moral and economic perspectives. Among other participants of the ceremony were Speaker of the National Assembly Ashot Ghulyan, Deputy Prime Minister Artur Aghabekyan, other officials and guests from abroad.

Citizens of Stepanakert informed that the people are very excited, and many people are already waiting for the day that the park will be open for those wishing to spend their vacation there. Let us mention that even though Stepanakert has favorable conditions and green zones, there aren’t many parks and squares. In the Soviet era, the park and playground in Stepanakert were considered one of the exemplary resorts in the region. Today, there are more demands. The youth of the city want to see a modern, state-of-the-art park that stands out with architectural solutions.

Let us mention that the new park will meet the current demands.

L. M.