Jan 29, several Russia’s Internet publications carried reports about Armenians allegedly demanding that Lviv be renamed Arjuts. In fact, according to the Western Information Agency, with headquarters in Lviv, the Russians seem to have taken the information out of thin air. As Vardkez Arzumanian, Lviv city council deputy and representative of the Armenian community, pointed out: “Nobody has ever told the Russians about this,” he stressed.
“We’ve contacted our lawyers to prepare a lawsuit against the publications that disseminated this false information, as neither myself, nor any member of the Armenian community has spoken about renaming Lviv. We have never been in touch with the publications in question that published untrue information.”
According to V. Arzumanian, some dubious Azerbaijan information agencies that have earlier used similar tricks or Russia’s media were behind the lie.
According to V. Arzumanian, a representative of one of the publications accused of spreading untrue information about Lviv renaming has called him, promising to retract the report. “The fact is that Lviv-based Armenians have long perceived themselves as locals. Understandably, we would’ve never thought of renaming Lviv,” he stressed.
Earlier today Armenian APA information agency disseminated information that the Armenian community in Lviv has plans to propose renaming the city. Referring to city deputy Vardkez Arzumanian, APA informed that a petition to the city administration to rename Lviv will be sent on behalf of 6,000 Armenians living in Lviv.
“The deputy believes the renaming will do credit to Armenians who founded the city as well as to other distinguished Armenians who made a great contribution to the city’s growth and prosperity,” the APA report continues.
“Arzumanian believes the new name sounds equally well in the Ukrainian and Armenian languages and will help strengthen friendship between both peoples.”
