Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a letter of condolences in connection with the demise of famous Russian writer Andrei Bitov.

The message reads, in part: “I was deeply grieved to learn of the demise of famous Russian writer Andrei Bitov. His name is especially dear to the Armenian reader and the entire Armenian nation. We, the Armenians, have always admired not only his vivid talent, the depth of his literary work, but also his courageous civic stance, love of freedom and the immaculate image of an intellectual.

I express my condolences to the family, friends of Andrey Bitov and thousands of fans of his art. In the person of Andrei Bitov, the Armenian people are bidding farewell to a sincere friend of theirs. May the soul of Andrei Georgievich rest in peace! His “Lessons of Armenia” became a lesson for us.”