PRIME MINISTER SAYS GOVERNMENT READY TO COOPERATE WITH OPPOSITION PARTIES

ARMENPRESS
Feb 26, 2008

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, ARMENPRESS: Addressing tens of thousands of
his supporters who rallied today in Republican Square prime minister
Serzh Sarkisian congratulated his country fellows on the successful
conduct of presidential election saying the country and its people
have a very good opportunity now to start resolving many of their
pressing problems.

Sarkisian said he and his supporters rallied today to cure a wound on
‘our body’ caused by this election.

He said all must work to overcome this trial and help the wound heal
as soon as possible.

Sarkisian also thanked his country fellows for the confidence they
showed in him saying "I swear to do everything in my power to justify
your trust in me."

"I assure you will not be disappointed by casting your ballot for me,’
he said.

Sarkisian also thanked all those who voted for other candidates because
‘we respect the choice of our citizens.’ He said all criticism
of the government voiced during the pre-election period will be
studied carefully to separate ‘healthy criticism from slander.’
"I would like to appeal, from this platform, to all former presidential
candidates and tell them-let us cooperate, up to forming a coalition
government. Our goal is to use all available potential for the sake
of Armenia’s progress,’ he said.

Sarkisian also pledged that his government will overcome poverty and
will fight evil and indifference.

He said the split among people will be also overcome.

Sarkisian said he will defend the right to freedom of speech but added
that does not mean freedom to slander. He said he will defend the right
to assembly but added that does not mean collapse of the city’s life.

At the end of his lengthy speech Serzh Sarkisian recalled from the
Bible which says that everything has its time. He said now it is not
time for revenge but a time for peace, a time for hard work, a time
for unity.