Armenians Speak Russian Even in Bed: Ruben Hakhverdyan

Armenian song-writer Ruben Hakhverdyan is one of the outspoken opponents of a government-backed initiative to re-open foreign-language schools in Armenia.

In a press conference today Hakhverdyan said that it will have far more serious consequences, especially given that the Armenian nation has through all its life been occupied by coaxing the Russians.

"We must first of all preserve our language which is our skin. The homeland is not only the landscape and the mountain but rather our language. The Armenians know the history of foreigners' much better [than theirs]; they speak Russian even in bed. But they are unaware of what kind of cultural and saint responsibility are they carrying on their shoulders," said Hakhverdyan.

Armenian Tutujyan (Chiko), an Armenian musician also present at the press conference, said he did not share Hakhverdyan's viewpoint over the re-opening of foreign-language schools, saying that the opening will not be detrimental for the Armenian language. Besides, he thinks that the Armenians should thoroughly study foreign languages.