JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN NATIONAL ARMY MARKED SOLEMNY

YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. "After having had
no state, statehood and own armed forces for long years, we got
possibility to use own forces for own well-being," RA Defence Minister
Serge Sargsian states in his speech at the January 28 ceremony taken
place at the Yerevan Spendiarov Opera and Ballet Theater on the
occasion of the 15th anniversary of formation of the National Army of
Armenia.

The Defence Minister touched upon the main stages of foundation and
formation of the Armenian national army. In his words, the high level
of readiness of the Armed Forces of Armenia allows not to retreat
before Azerbaijani warlike statements and promises of serious growth
of its military budget. "The Armenian Army is not frightened by the
neighboring republic President’s resources promised to his army as the
army becomes efficient not only by money. We have enough will, are
devoted to our Fatherland and are decisive to bring to the end the
struggle which we started just 19 years ago, in 1988. We proved this
clear truth in early 90s, will prove tomorrow if there is its
necessity," the Defence Minister of Armenia stated.

The solemn sitting in which RA President Robert Kocharian with his
wife, Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians, Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian, government members and soldiers participated, finished with
a festive concert.

A state march-parade on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of
formation of the National Army was held on the Hanrapetutian
(Republic) square of Yerevan on the same day. During the parade, 6
military companies at the same time entered the square from 6
entrances marched by performing patriotic songs. The parade was
organized by the Defence Ministry joint with a number of institutions
of higher education of the capital.