KOCHARYAN: ARMENIA’S ARMED FORCES POWERFUL DEFENDER OF ARMENIA
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 21 2006
YEREVAN, September 21. /ARKA/. The armed forces of the Republic of
Armenia are a powerful defender of the Motherland of all Armenians.
The Republic of Armenia is the greatest achievement of determined
hard work of many generations, RA President Robert Kocharyan stated
at a military parade in Republic Square in Yerevan.
He congratulated the parade participants, servicemen, Armenian citizens
and guests on the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. However,
it took in a war, energy crisis, blockade, and all the hurdles of
the transitional period.
Kocharyan stated that for the people with millennia long history the
last fifteen years of statehood is just a blink. However, it took in a
war, energy crisis, blockade, and all the hurdles of the transitional
period. The starting point for establishing Armenian statehood was
extremely difficult.
"The starting point for establishing Armenian statehood was extremely
difficult. But the spirit of our people was high and great was the
desire to overcome all the difficulties in the name of freedom and
dignity. In the flames of war that spirit gave birth to heroes and
formed the army, which we are proud of," Kocharyan said.
He stressed that today Armenia is a steadily developing country.
Successful reforms are underway in all areas of life. The high tempo
of economic growth makes Armenia a new, more promising country. It
is of vital importance, since competitive and effective economy is
the main guarantee for the building of a truly democratic state.
A number of strategic programs, which are being implemented in our
country, are aimed at the general development and advancement of our
people and our country, and particularly, at the resolution of social
problems. Among priorities the state has identified poverty reduction,
improvement of life quality, and equal development of the country as
a whole.
"In the establishment of the Armenian state the input of Diaspora is
hardly to be overestimate," Kocharyan said.
Symbolically, the third Armenia-Diaspora conference is also being held
during these jubilee celebrations. It is also important that through
the years of independence the factor of Diaspora has been revaluated,
and our relations have become reciprocal and complementary, he said.
"In foreign relations Armenia has proved to be a stable, reliable and
predictable partner. We continue to successfully deepen the engagement
of our country in international affairs, preserving and strengthening
at the same time traditional ties," Kocharyan said.
The Armenian President added that a just resolution of the NK
conflict remains the highest priority. And it can only be based
on the respect and recognition of the Artsakhi people’s right to
self-determination. He stressed that nothing should threaten security
and development of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic.