PRIME MINISTER ANDRANIK MARGARIAN’S ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF FIRST
REPUBLIC DAY

ArmenPress
May 27 2004

YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS: Armenian prime minister Andranik Margarian
issued a message today to the nation on the occasion of the First
Republic Day, which runs below.

“Dear compatriots, I congratulate you on the occasion of the First
Republic Day. Due to the collective will of our nation and its
unbending spirit the centuries-long desire to restore Armenia’s
statehood came true On May 28, 1918.

In the row of our victories, celebrated in May, the heroic battles of
Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Karakilisa stand, in terms of implementing
the idea of independence by relying on our own strength after a
six-century long break that has become later a basis for new feats
of arms and new manifestations of Armenia’s freedom-loving spirit.

Though the First Republic did not live long, but its lessons-freedom,
independence, sovereignty and building a strong state, and which is
more important-to maintain it, have been passed from generation to
generation to have displayed itself anew in late 1980-s. The struggle
for the independence of Artsakh has reaffirmed our resolute to maintain
our historical achievements.

The 13-year long Third Armenian Republic is moving ahead today
resolutely, developing gradually its economy and consolidating its
sovereignty, reinforcing its role and place in global processes.

There is no alternative to independent Armenia, based on democratic
values and I believe that no force, no difficulty is able to impede
our march.

I once again congratulate you all on the occasion of this beautiful
festive day. I wish you all good health. strong belief, strength and
will to surmount difficulties. We have to be united and our historical
achievements will become the guarantee of our efforts for building
a strong and prospering homeland.