The Yerevan City Council has voted to rename Leningradyan Street after Armenian-American businessman and philanthropist Kirk Kerkorian.
The decision passed with 37 votes in favor, two against, and 18 abstentions at a merting on Thursday. The proposal was submitted by the Republic faction of the municipal council.
According to the official justification, the current name reflects the Soviet past and even Russia no longer uses the name “Leningrad” since the city reverted to “St. Petersburg”. The council cited Armenia’s local self-government law and a 2005 government decree as the legal basis for the renaming.
Kerkorian, one of the most prominent figures of the Armenian Diaspora, was known for his major contributions to Armenia’s development following its independence.
