Fund-raising for Armenian writer's treatment in Armenia

The funds, US $50,000, necessary for treating the writer Hovhannes Grigoryan, have been raised, the fund-raisers told journalists.

The writer was reported t be seriously ill a month ago, and young writers launched a fund-raising campaign.

Students and pensioners joined the campaign.

"A blind man came and donated money yesterday. I did not think that in our rough times so much attention could be given to culture. I think it is a real way back to culture," said Levon Ananyan, Chairman of the Writers' Union of Armenia.

The writer Gurgen Khanjyan believes that it has been "a test" showing that the Armenians impart their love for culture "at the genetic level."

"Hovhannes Grigoryan has done so much for our generation that we have no right to remain indifferent,' said the young writer Hasmik Khachikyan.

Armenian Parliament Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Chairman of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Agbrahamyan made donations as well. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan donated US $10,000.

Although finished in Armenia, the fund-raising campaign is going on in the Armenian Diaspora. The Armenian writer will be treated in Germany.