UNESCO announced its decision to name the Armenian capital, Yerevan, the World Book Capital in 2012, Armenian Culture Minister Asmik Posogan told journalists, according to News.am information.
"This is a joyful and welcome event", said the mayor of Yerevan, Garik Beglaryan. He also added that the year 2012 is the 500th anniversary of the first Armenian book "Urbatagirk" published in Venice by the founder of Armenian book printing, Hakob Meghapart. By the president's order this anniversary is due to be widely celebrated.
According to the mayor, UNESCO and three other international organizations - the International Publishers' Union, the International Booksellers Federation and the International Library Organisation - annually select cities to participate in the competition for the title of World Book Capital.
11 cities have been awarded this title, among them Madrid (2001), Montreal (2005), Turin (2006), Amsterdam (2008) and Beirut. Buenos Aires is to be the 11th World Book Capital. Yerevan will hold the title from 23 April 2012 to 22 April 2013.
