Charles Aznavour visited Artsakh for the first time yesterday in conjunction with the "For You, Armenia" program. Accompanied by top Karabakh government officials, Mr. Aznavour participated in the opening ceremonies of a cultural center in Stepanakert bearing his name.

Mr. Aznavour then made his way to Renaissance Square in the capital where a concert featuring his daughter and sister was taking place. A large crowd had assembled in the hope that the world renowned singer would entertain them with a song or two, but that was not to happen. Mr. Aznavour merely expressed his joy that he finally had set foot in Artsakh for the first time since coming to Armenia twenty one years ago. "I have come here for the first time and I pray it won't be my last," said the chanteuse. Afterwards NKR President Bako Sahakyan bestowed Mr. Aznavour with the "Saint Gregory the Illuminator" medal for services rendered to the Armenian people and on the occasion of the singer's 85th birthday.