YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, NOYAN TAPAN. "Cigar smoking is a tradition that unifies people with different preferences, creating a unity. Any kind of unity is important and useful for out society today," deputy of the RA National Assembly David Harutyunian expressed this opinion during a talk with NT correspondent. D. Harutyunian, who was announced the winner in the category "Cigar Aficionado 2007" at the international festival "High Smoke 2007" held in Yerevan on September 29, welcomed organization of such events in Armenia as they "teach us to live a beatiful, although not so healthy life." In the words of actor Rafael Kotanjian, people of high taste join cigar clubs in Yerevan which provide an oppotunity for them to comunicate with each other. He pointed out that cigar business may become a promising sector in Armenia. "We are gradually proceeding along the path already passed by the civilized peoples," he noted. Violinist Karen Shahgeldian (Russia) who also does cigar business in Europe and CIS countries, said that the "cigar movement" that has begun in Armenia may create a favorable environment for development of both interesting ideas and this profitable sector of the economy. David Davtian, chairman of the Armenian Cigar Association - the organizer of the festival, stated that businessmen of Armenian origin (many of whom were present at the event) have made a considerable contribution to cigar production and marketing around the world.

---