Yerevan Mayor`s Press Secretary: Options for preserving the mural of 44-Day War hero Albert Hovhannisyan will be considered

ArmInfo. Possible options for preserving the mural of Albert Hovhannisyan, a hero of the 44-Day War, will be considered in the near future. This was written on her Facebook page by Julietta Azaryan, the press secretary of the mayor of Yerevan.

This reaction from the capital's municipality followed public outrage over the removal of Albert Hovhannisyan's image from the wall of Yerevan's Victory Park by decision of the Yerevan Mayor's Office. The mayor's office then stated that the removal was due to ongoing renovation work.

Azaryan reported that in connection with this, she met with Artak Hovhannisyan, the father of the 44-Day War hero, and discussed options for preserving the mural. "I recently met with the father of the immortal hero, serviceman Albert Hovhannisyan. During the meeting, we discussed issues related to the continued preservation of our Albert mural and possible solutions, also touching on conceptual approaches that can best honor the hero's memory. I consider it important to emphasize that this issue is the focus of Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan's attention. Possible options will be reviewed soon, and this issue will receive a dignified and appropriate solution, primarily taking into account our respect for Albert's memory and public perception. Glory to all our martyrs," wrote the Yerevan Mayor's press secretary.

Artak Hovhannisyan himself wrote about the results of this meeting, emphasizing that he received the necessary clarifications during his meeting with Azaryan, which took place in a constructive atmosphere. "We discussed the issue related to the image format. A decision will likely be made after this discussion. During the meeting, it was important to gain a clear understanding of the issue and learn about next steps. After receiving a final answer following the discussion, I will inform the press and concerned compatriots. "I am grateful to all those who are always there for the hero and my family. Your every word and support gave us strength. Thank you for being there," wrote Albert Hovhannisyan's father.

He also assured that the public demand will remain in effect until the image is restored.

As a reminder, Albert Hovhannisyan was drafted into the army on January 13, 2020. He was the commander of the 4th artillery squad of the 2nd artillery battery of the D-30 artillery battalion of Military Unit N of the Defense Army. Hovhannisyan died on October 8, 2020, during the 44-day war unleashed by the Azerbaijani-Turkish tandem against Artsakh. He was awarded the title "Hero of Artsakh." A photograph of an artilleryman defending his homeland from his combat position at his gun was seen around the world during the war and became a symbol of struggle and resilience.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time the capital's mayor's office has erased murals of the country's heroes who gave their lives for their homeland. Similar murals were previously erased in central Yerevan under the pretext that they had been painted without proper authorization. This was done despite public outcry. Opposition figures believe that the current authorities are attempting to consign to oblivion the heroic deeds of the sons of the Armenian people who fought for their homeland in the face of enemy aggression.