YEREVAN (combined sources)–On Friday June 15–President Robert Kocharian awarded Armenia’s top cultural artisans–military officials–national security and internal affairs ministers.
The artisans were granted the "St. Mesrob Mashdots" and "Mkhitar Khorenatsi" awards; and militaristic medical officers with the "Mkhitar Heratzi" award and other Armenian Republic and military medals. Kocharian personally issued the insignias–and thanked all the recipients for their work towards fabrication of a greater Armenia. The recipients–in their turn–gave thanks to the president for recognizing and distinguishing their hard work.
Among the awarded were world-famous dudukist Jivan Kasparian; Composers Mirzoyan and Haroutounian; Singers Bella Tarpinian and Raisa Mgrdichian; and other actors and theatrical performers. Colonel Vahan Giragosian–Levon Jagharian–and Major Mikael Mikaelian.