THE RA PRESIDENT’S SPEECH AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF DIPLOMATS
Aysor
Sept 1 2009
Armenia
President Serzh Sargsyan’s speech at the annual meeting of diplomats.
"I do understand all the reasons for concern in some Armenian and
Artsakh quarters. The Artsakh conflict is the sacred question that had
taken lives of thousands of our compatriots and we had had complexities
and those troubles still remain, however we are also proud of this
chapter in our history. I am sure that any Armenian leader who involved
in the solution of the Artsakh conflict realizes his responsibility
for the people of his own, its history and future generations.
Those of us at another opinion are either not-informed or are just
staying at small-scale speculation. Artsakh issue is not that one that
allows small-scale speculation. It’s important that you to explain to
everyone, especially to officials of the countries you are accredited
in that the resolution of this problem will not take us some days or
some weeks or even some months. It should be clear to everyone that
we negotiate on few basic principles of settlement.
Even thought we come to an agreement many another principles will
remain open, and then the agreement itself will settle the details
of application. This is a very laborious process.
Our main tasks at this stage are to ensure the security of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the framework of the negotiation process
and reach a correct perception of the problem by the international
community. The Armenians have struggled for freedom and life, and
nobody has the right to call Artsakh who defended its right to live
an Â"aggressorÂ".
We should always answer to this sharply, confidently and convincing. I
want to draw an attention of ambassadors accredited in member countries
of the Islamic Conference to this issue. We must intensify our efforts
to neutralize the negative impact of adopted resolutions and those
that are still in process in this Organization.
On Armenian-Turkish relations.
As you know the joint settlement on Armenian-Turkish relations was
published yesterday.
There are agreed documents released: Â"Protocol on establishing
diplomatic relations between the both countriesÂ" and Â"Protocol for
the development of bilateral relationsÂ" which reflect the range of
achievements to date arrangements.
I said during our last year’s meeting the goals I pursued inviting
Turkish President to Armenia.
Armenia came closer to normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations. International community awareness increased and commitment
increased as well. We tried to regulate relations with the neighbor
adequately using the way that suits to civilized world of the 21
century.
I think that these protocols provide that opportunities. The projects
released yesterday reflect three basic facts: 1. As I have repeatedly
said our negotiations with Turkey and the acquired agreement do not
contain any preconditions related to the peaceful settlement of the
Karabakh conflict, or any other problem.
2. As we have argued the issues of historical perspective of the
Armenian-Turkish relations should not be discussed by the Commission
of Historians but in the format of one of the intergovernmental
commission’s subcommittees.
3. It’s the first time in the history of independent Armenia that
important international documents’ signing is going to be preceded
by public debate.
That will allow to hear all points and approaches. It is very important
to me that all of you to be active. You must participate actively in
these public discussions inside Armenia and in Diaspora.
You should explain the previously signed protocols’ items at all
positive and controversial components, why not.
I hope there will be intensive discussions in future inside the
Armenian communities and international research centers. In this
regard your task is to provide the necessary platform for meetings
people sent from Armenia and their presentations as well.
Dear colleagues, the Foreign sphere is the basic way of our national
security. It means a very important and responsible mission is on
your shoulders. The diplomatic representations of Armenia are the
front doors for Armenia. The foreigners make their first impression
about Armenia by crossing that door and contacting with you. So the
formation of positive impressions depends on your level of preparation.
I have appointed more than 10 ambassadors since I took the office. I
wish to see the work of the ambassadors as a professional type of
functioning, the basis of which are your professional skills and your
devotion to your country and not your own selves.
Being Armenian diplomat is a great honor; you should deserve that
honor every second and every minute, you should be responsible for it.
I wish you success and wish a fruitful year for the diplomatic session.
Thank you."