Armenia leader talks about “formula” for success in independence speech

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
21 Sep 04

Today Armenian President Robert Kocharyan invited representatives of
the county’s political, diplomatic, economic and cultural corps to a
government reception on the occasion of Independence Day. In his
speech Robert Kocharyan talked about his formula for achieving
Armenia’s progress: legality, effective ruling, fair competition and
work.

[Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, captioned, shown speaking from
the rostrum of Karen Demirchyan’s concert and sport complex, anthem
played] Your Holiness, dear compatriots and dear guests,

I congratulate our people and all those present on the occasion of
Independence Day.

Today’s Armenia has established itself as a state which strives to
carry out market reforms and democratic transitions and to develop
international cooperation. Our people have made this choice which
brought us to a new domain.

As a result of the systemic reforms, our country has obviously made
progress. Armenia today has achieved sustainable growth and regularly
fulfils the state budget. A lot goes into the social sector and the
main task today is the elimination of poverty. The implementation of
this programme is our main task. Legality, effective ruling, fair
competition and work – all this will ensure the development of the
Armenian economy.

In the foreign political sphere, our country has a distinctive and
certain position. The country will continue to improve its
international rating by developing relations in all
directions. Armenia takes part in the struggle against international
terrorism.

To preserve peace in our complex region is a vital task. We believe
that this could be achieved through diversified cooperation with all
regional countries.

We adhere to the principle of solving the Nagornyy Karabakh problem by
peaceful means. The settlement should be based on the objective
realities which took shape after the USSR disintegration and the
undeniable fact of the existence of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic
especially.

The army is an integral part of our lives. It ensures the security of
the Armenian people and stability and peace in the region. The
establishment of the army and the present level of its combat
readiness is our people’s historical achievement. It is thanks to the
army and our heroes that our country is now an established state – the
motherland of all the Armenians.

I congratulate the Armenian Diaspora abroad on this holiday.

The younger generation dreams about a free, strong and flourishing
Armenia. It is their fortune to implement this at this decisive
stage. We shall implement this historical mission with honour for the
sake of Armenia’s future.

I congratulate all of you on this holiday.