SERZH SARGSYAN: OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE A MODERN, EFFICIENT, CONTINUOUSLY DEVELOPING AND POWERFUL ARMY

Noyan Tapan

Jan 27, 2009

YEREVAN, JANUARY 27, NOYAN TAPAN. On the occasion of Day of Armenian
Army, the president Serzh Sargsyan made an address which reads:

"Dear compatriots,

I congratulate you on the occasion of Army Day.

Today we celebrate one of the greatest achievements of our independence
– Day of Armenian Army. Seventeen years ago when our independence was
called in question, the creation of an army became the imperative
necessity of the time. The Armenian army was formed and hardened
in war, from the very first days of its existence displaying its
best qualities: devotion to Fatherland, inflexible combat will-power
and a victorious spirit. Thanks to all this we managed to win in an
uneaqual struggle for existence and assert the freedom to live by
our own values.

The Armenian army is a national pride for us and a serious factor of
vigilance and restraint for our opponents, and it is thanks to the
might and fighting efficiency of our army that so tenuous peace has
been maintained for years on end. We know that we owe this peace to
the soldiers performing their daily duties in positions and trenches,
to our officers and commanders, our brave sons.

Dear officers and soldiers,

Military service is a great mission, while serving in a victorious
army is an honor and responsibility. The history has inculcated in
our people a respect for the Armenian army, and it is no accident
that the image of the Armenian soldier remains a symbol of bravery
and valor even to strangers.

For that reason the work of a soldier is one of the most honorable
ones in our country.

The regular stage of armed forces reforms is being completed in
Armenia. Our goal is to have a modern, efficient, continuously
developing and powerful army based on the best experience and
victorious traditions of Armenian military.

Dear compatriots,

Let’s congratulate all those who participated in the fight for
freedom, served in our armed forces and made their contribution to
the establishment and strengthening of our army. We remember all
our comrades-in-arms who spared nothing for Armenia of today and
tomorrow. We bow down to all the soldiers and officers who sacrificed
their lives in the name of Fatherland.

On this festive day I wish you peace and success, and I wish our
soldiers successful service and new achievements.

Long may the Republic of Armenia live! Glory to the Armenian army!