ArmenPress, Armenia
Jan 1 2005

President Robert Kocharian’s New Year Congratulatory Address

Dear compatriots: We are bidding good-bye to 2004. For Armenia
this year was peaceful, stable and fruitful. Accomplished works
provided for significant economic growth, which translates into new
enterprises, irrigation for new gardens, and new jobs. This is a
difficult but the shortest road toward prosperity for our country and
our people.
To have a qualitatively new country we must work hard. Social
polarization in our country is still deep. The number of our citizens
living in poverty is still large. It means that the process of
reforms must continue, and the cornerstone of this process is the
rise of living standards and fight against poverty. To achieve these
goals we have developed a mid-term plan of action, which is being
implemented persistently.
Results of the accomplished works in this passing year will be
noticeable in 2005. In a number of areas we plan a significant
increase of salaries. The state budget has a qualitatively new
structure, where shares allocated to health care and education are
substantially augmented. Greater attention toward education is
emblematic, since in 2005 we celebrate the 1600 Anniversary of the
Mesropian alphabet.
Dear friends:
In the sphere of foreign affairs important has been involvement of
Armenia in the European `New Neighborhood’ initiative. This fact
underlined the readiness of the European Union to build special
relations with our country. Cooperation with our partner-foreign
states has been enhanced, and Armenia has continued active
participation in international processes.
Armenia-Spjurk relations have been further advanced. I would like
to distinguish `One Nation-One Culture’ first Armenian festival,
which was performed enthusiastically. Allying with the `Hayastan’
All-Armenian Fund the Armenians of Diaspora managed to collect a
considerable amount of money to conclude construction of the
Karabagh’s North-South highway. This is an important step in
strengthening the factual independence of Karabagh – independence,
which is nonnegotiable.
Peaceful and creative year for our country has been secured also
by our Armed Forces, which in the passing year have become even
stronger. I congratulate our military – defenders of our state. I bow
to the memory of fallen heroes.
Dear compatriots from Armenia, Artsakh and Spjurk:
I wish you a Happy New Year. For Armenia and our people 2005 will be
a more productive year. All the preconditions are set for that. I
wish you all good health and happiness. Let this New Year bring to
your homes good happenings, success, and joy.
Happy New Year!