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NOWRUZ: ARMENIAN YOUTH MORE TOLERANT ON IRANIANS INFLOW THAN OLDER PEOPLE
Mariam Matnishyan
PanARMENIAN.Net
March 21, 2011
Both generations speak out against settlement of Iranians in Armenia.
On March 21-28 the tourist inflow in Armenia will reach a record high,
with over 20.000 Iranian tourists to arrive in Armenia for Nowruz
(Muslim New Year) celebrations.
The response of local population to Iranians celebrating Nowruz
in Armenian capital varies, some are irritated, others glad; some
indifferent to the presence of foreigners in the country, others
unaware as to the reason for overflow of Iranian tourists.
The results of the poll, initiated by PanARMENIAN.Net show Armenian
youth is more tolerant on the arrival of Iranians during Nowruz than
the older generation.
Those aged 18-20 have no idea about Nowrus and are indifferent to
Iranians' visits.
In contrast to them, 21-29 age group responds positively to the visits
of Iranian tourists, which, as they say, promote development of economy
and tourism in Armenia. According to official data, Armenia's budget
is replenished by USD 20 000 at Nowruz days. However, those who do not
object to the visits stipulate conditions, "the tourists must observe
the laws of the country they visit." Many noted that in recent years,
some Iranians violated public order, with ensuing conflict incidents
reported.
Another group of people aging from 30 to 40 categorically oppose
the inflow of Iranian tourists, saying that there are plenty of
Azerbaijanis among them, what is inadmissible. "The National Security
Service should establish control over the process of arrival and
departure of the Iranian citizens," one of the respondents insisted.
There also people who criticize those opposing to the arrival of
Iranian tourists. The Armenian nation is scattered all over the world
and it's ignoble to oppose arrival of tourists from another country,
according to them.
However it's noteworthy that all of those surveyed spoke out against
settlement of Iranians in Armenia, what can cause a number of problems,
including demands to build mosques, schools and cultural centers.
From: A. Papazian
Mariam Matnishyan
PanARMENIAN.Net
March 21, 2011
Both generations speak out against settlement of Iranians in Armenia.
On March 21-28 the tourist inflow in Armenia will reach a record high,
with over 20.000 Iranian tourists to arrive in Armenia for Nowruz
(Muslim New Year) celebrations.
The response of local population to Iranians celebrating Nowruz
in Armenian capital varies, some are irritated, others glad; some
indifferent to the presence of foreigners in the country, others
unaware as to the reason for overflow of Iranian tourists.
The results of the poll, initiated by PanARMENIAN.Net show Armenian
youth is more tolerant on the arrival of Iranians during Nowruz than
the older generation.
Those aged 18-20 have no idea about Nowrus and are indifferent to
Iranians' visits.
In contrast to them, 21-29 age group responds positively to the visits
of Iranian tourists, which, as they say, promote development of economy
and tourism in Armenia. According to official data, Armenia's budget
is replenished by USD 20 000 at Nowruz days. However, those who do not
object to the visits stipulate conditions, "the tourists must observe
the laws of the country they visit." Many noted that in recent years,
some Iranians violated public order, with ensuing conflict incidents
reported.
Another group of people aging from 30 to 40 categorically oppose
the inflow of Iranian tourists, saying that there are plenty of
Azerbaijanis among them, what is inadmissible. "The National Security
Service should establish control over the process of arrival and
departure of the Iranian citizens," one of the respondents insisted.
There also people who criticize those opposing to the arrival of
Iranian tourists. The Armenian nation is scattered all over the world
and it's ignoble to oppose arrival of tourists from another country,
according to them.
However it's noteworthy that all of those surveyed spoke out against
settlement of Iranians in Armenia, what can cause a number of problems,
including demands to build mosques, schools and cultural centers.
From: A. Papazian