PanARMENIAN.Net

Robert Kocharian: I am optimistic about Armenia’s future
21.09.2007 19:11 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ RA President Robert Kocharian congratulated Armenian
people on Independence Day, the RA leader’s press office reported. The
President’s statement says,

`Dear compatriots, I congratulate all those present and our entire
nation on the occasion of Independence Day.

The reestablishment of our statehood was an exceptional historic event
in the life of the Armenian people. The determination of our people to
build a free, democratic and prosperous state was expressed during the
referendum on independence. This determination has been evolving
through the next sixteen years, and numerous challenges have been
honorably prevailed over down the road.

Armenia of today is developing steadily. It can be stated with
confidence that our economy is on the rise:

– Thousands of new jobs are being created, Income of the people grows
– considerably, poverty reduces gradually, life standard improves,
– Thousands of our compatriots, who left the country, are coming back
– to live a better life, Middle class is taking shape.

I am optimistic about Armenia’s future, comprehending at the same time
that there is still a lot to be done, that there is a great potential
to do it, and that our people deserve better lives.

We are obliged to double our efforts to build a modern and efficient
statehood. That is why it is necessary to continue with the reforms,
deepening their social aspect.

We intend to continue our support for the subsistence of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic since only matured statehood can provide for the
security of the people of Artsakh. The recently held presidential
elections in Nagorno Karabakh manifested the united covet for
independence, faith in their statehood and willpower to defend it.

The Parliamentary elections of Armenia demonstrated the trust of
people in the current policies. I am confident that the upcoming
presidential elections will also be conducted in accordance with
international standards, in the atmosphere of great
confidence. Consistent continuation of the chosen political course is
an important guarantee of Armenia’s stability and progress.

Today Armenia is dependably protected by our Armed Forces. On this
festive day it is our solemn duty to pay tribute to our fallen
heroes. For today’s peaceful life they paid with great efforts and
with their lives. Our unfailing Army is the source of pride for every
Armenian citizen.

Once again I congratulate all of us on the occasion of the 16th
Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia. The Motherland
of all Armenians is stepping into a new stage in its development,
setting more ambitious goals. I have no doubt that combining our
forces we will achieve these goals and will build a strong and
prosperous state for the generations to come.’