STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARIAN ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Armenpress
Sept 21 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Your Holiness, Soldiers, officers
and generals, Dear compatriots and guests, I congratulate all of us on
the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic
of Armenia.
For the people with millennia long history the last fifteen years of
statehood is just a blink. However, it took in a war, energy crisis,
blockade, and all the hurdles of the transitional period. The starting
point for establishing Armenian statehood was extremely difficult. But
the spirit of our people was high and great was the desire to overcome
all the difficulties in the name of freedom and dignity. In the flames
of war that spirit gave birth to heroes and formed the army, which
we are proud of. The armed forces of the Republic of Armenia are a
powerful defender of the Motherland of all Armenians. The Republic
of Armenia is the greatest achievement of determined hard work of
many generations.
Today Armenia is a steadily developing country.
Successful reforms are underway in all areas of life.
The high tempo of economic growth makes Armenia a new, more promising
country. It is of vital importance, since competitive and effective
economy is the main guarantee for the building of a truly democratic
state.
A number of strategic programs, which are being implemented in our
country, are aimed at the general development and advancement of our
people and our country, and particularly, at the resolution of social
problems. Among priorities the state has identified poverty reduction,
improvement of life quality, and equal development of the country as
a whole.
In the establishment of the Armenian state the input of Diaspora
is hardly to be overestimate. Since day one it has mobilized all
its resources and stood by our state. Symbolically, the third
Armenia-Diaspora conference is also being held during these
jubilee celebrations. It is also important that through the years
of independence the factor of Diaspora has been revaluated, and our
relations have become reciprocal and complementary.
In foreign relations Armenia has proved to be a stable, reliable and
predictable partner. We continue to successfully deepen the engagement
of our country in international affairs, preserving and strengthening
at the same time traditional ties.
The just resolution of the NK conflict remains the highest
priority. And it can only be based on the respect and recognition
of the Artsakhi people’s right to self-determination. Nothing
should threaten security and development of the Nagorno Karabagh
Republic. Dear compatriots, Such a precious jubilee is both
inspiring and binding – we must do the utmost for the strengthening
of Armenia. We should spare no effort to build a new country being
citizens of which will make proud many generations of our people. Once
again I congratulate on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of
Independence.
Long live the Republic of Armenia! Long live the glorious Army
of Armenia!