SPEECH OF TIGRAN SARGSYAN, THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA, ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EARTHQUAKE

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Monday, 8th of December, 2008

Distinguished Guests;

Today, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the disastrous earthquake
that took place on December 7, 1988. 20 years ago, our land was
shaken. Together with it, our hearts and minds were shaken. All
Armenians were shaken. The disaster claimed the lives of thousands of
innocent civilians, including a large number of children. One third
of our country was leveled to the ground. At the time, not everyone
was fully aware of the gravity of the tragic blow, and the impact it
would have in our people’s hearts and our country’s economy.

The situation looked desperate, but we did not fall into despair:
we stood strong, as we were supported by people from virtually every
corner of the earth, turning Armenia and the Earthquake Zone into a
zone of universal solidarity and compassion.

Today, we wish warmly and profoundly to thank all those that that
stood by our sides just after the earthquake, endangering and
sacrificing their lives, assisting and saving our fellow Armenians,
and for many years helping our country to overcome the consequences
of the catastrophe.

We remember everyone; we are grateful to them for their heroic deeds,
selfless philanthropy, and helping us out at difficult times.

The other reason why we did not fall into despair lay deeper:
we had history and genes of resisting pain–an inherent "program"
of survival. We withstood the disaster and struggled on several
fronts. The national revival of 1988 was a popular struggle for the
liberty of Armenia and Artsakh. When our land shook, some feared that
our people would shake and expected our faith and determination to
weaken. Those fears, however, were short-lived.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia was at the worst
starting point among all of the former Soviet republics: blockade,
energy crisis, war, and one third of the industry and housing stock
leveled to the ground.

This is to emphasize that, actually, we have travelled a much longer
path than may seem at first sight.

A breakthrough in the restoration of the Earthquake Zone was made
after 1998, when the ex-president of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan,
declared the matter "one of honor to the state." During 1998-2006,
construction was carried out under various funding sources (state
budget, charitable and other organizations, and individuals). As a
result, over 20,000 families received new or improved housing. The
housing needs of 5,914 households were met through the provision of
Housing Purchase Certificates. A larger number of schools, health care
facilities, and cultural centers were constructed or renovated. Spitak,
the earthquake epicenter, and Gyumri began to look like towns again.

A large amount of work has been accomplished, but it is obviously
not sufficient. Twenty years have passed, but an enormous number of
challenges still remain in the Earthquake Zone, including the fact that
some families still remain without shelter. I would like to assure our
people that we have concrete plans and a clear timetable; our plans
will be implemented. Our country can afford to fill the remaining
gap. A variety of financing sources will be engaged in the process.

Though some of the earlier problems of the Earthquake Zone have
persisted, the regions affected by the earthquake now face many of
the same challenges that other regions of Armenia do. Of course, it
does not mean that the authorities will henceforth pay less attention
to this part of the country.

It only means that all the regions of Armenia should develop evenly.

President Sargsyan has already declared that, in the next few years,
we will finalize the solution of the housing problems of families
hit by the earthquake.

Under the Concept Paper for Solving the Housing Problems of Families
Left without Shelter Due to the Earthquake in the Earthquake Zone, at
least 4,883 new apartments and houses will be built by 2013, including:

-At least 2,300 apartments with the related services facilities will
be built in the Ani and Mush districts of Gyumri;

– 182 apartments in the Akhuryan Village of the S hirak Marz, including
the related service facilities;

– At least 226 individual houses in 10 rural settlements of the
Shirak Marz;

– At least 354 apartments in Spitak, including the related service
facilities; and

– At least 1,821 individual houses in 24 rural settlements of the
Lori Marz.

Besides, we plan to build another 49 apartments in Stepanavan under
the 2009 state budget. Under the "Housing through the Provision of
Housing Purchase Certificates" Program of the 2008 state budget,
268 families that lost their houses in the earthquake have already
been given the opportunity to purchase an apartment. 1,785 families
will be given the opportunity to solve their housing needs under the
same state-funded program during 2009-2012.

The Armenian Government has launched new plans and initiatives for
economic development of the North of Armenia. Gyumri, Vanadzor,
and other towns and villages can and should become modern centers
of entrepreneurship, culture, and sports; they will become transport
hubs. The progress in this field will be noticeable.

Dear Friends;

Today, 20 years after the earthquake, we honor the memory of many
thousands of victims. The greatest and irreversible loss is that of
human lives.

Everyone in Armenia personally experienced the grief of this
loss. Everyone lost a family member, relative, friend, or
acquaintance. It was a moment when everyone condoled e veryone else.

Now, our country, hardened by these challenges, continues its
path. We are on the path of creative work that will turn Armenia into
a prosperous country of well-educated and free people, tomorrow’s
Armenia. Our course is irreversible, as we are convinced that disasters
come and go, while fatherland eternally remains.

Thank you.