Preliminary information is that Chirac would be in Armenia from September 29 to October 1.

Mary Hakobyan, press secretary of the Embassy of France in Armenia, told ArmeniaNow: "We are informed that Jacques Chirac has expressed his desire to visit Armenia, but no official declaration confirming the visit has been issued so far."

It would be the first visit to Armenia by Chirac (no French president has ever visited Armenia or even the South Caucasus), head of state to some 450,000 Diaspora in France.

According to widespread information, singer/actor Charles Aznavour, singer Patricia Caas and other celebrities would be accompanying the president during his visit.

"In the coming days we are expecting the official declaration about the visit," Hakobyan said. "We don't know for sure if Patricia Caas will come or no, but we have information that a number of celebrities will be visiting Armenia together with the president."

According to the Embassy of France in Armenia, part of the delegation's visit would include open-air concerts in Republic Square.

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