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ARMENIAN NATION SHOWED TO THE WORLD EXCEPTIONAL EXAMPLE OF SURVIVAL - PRESIDENT
news.am
Sept 19 2011
Armenia
YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan attended on Monday
the opening ceremony of Panarmenian Conference of the Leaders and
Representatives of Diaspora organizations held in Yerevan. Armenian
News-NEWS.am posts the full text of President's speech.
President of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, Your Holiness,
Catholicos of All Armenians, Your Holiness, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, Eminent Fathers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I cordially welcome you in the Motherland, where you will participate
at the Panarmenian Conference of the Leaders and Representatives
of Diaspora organizations. I also heartily congratulate you all on
the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's
independence. The Conference is attended by 550 representatives
from 46 states who represent 151 Armenian organizations of Diaspora,
including all its pivotal structures. I announce the opening of the
Panarmenian Conference of the Leaders and Representatives of Diaspora
organizations.
Dear Compatriots,
I am confident that the Conference will greatly promote the development
of the Armenia-Spyurk cooperation for the benefit of the Armenian
nation's peaceful and prosperous future.
This assembly hall represents a collective force. It signifies power
of ten million Armenians and inspires us with pride. That force has
been solving numerous problems through the decades and will continue
to do so.
The Armenian nation is bonded together with its national aspirations
and Armenia's destiny. All our thoughts, emotions sometimes even anger
and outbursts, heated disputes and serene discussions, silent work
and manifestations of protest - all they eventually have one purpose
- to make sure that the Armenia of tomorrow is a better country,
more powerful, more beautiful, more attractive, to see the Armenian
nation more united, more cohesive and well-organized. We are united
not only by our roots but also by our common goals.
Diaspora is not a new phenomenon in our centuries-long history,
however after the Mets Eghern it acquired quite a different nature.
The Armenians had to withstand the test outside their cradle, on the
"alien and desolate roads", had to withstand the test of assimilation
and degradation and had to prove their viability in most different
circumstances. The almost hundred-years long history of the Armenian
Spyurk is a history of struggle and victory, unavoidable setbacks
and exceptional willpower. Armenian communities from Uruguay to
Australia, from America to the Middle East have been covered with
the network of Armenian schools, churches, media outlets, as well as
political, public, cultural and sport organizations - this was done
to save the generation. Each family has become an epitome of the
historical homeland. The Armenian nation has shown to the world an
exceptional example of survival, even though many reputable figures
were considering the Western Armenians out of the historical picture.
Moreover, Diaspora has been able to manifest extraordinary political
achievements. With the horrendous images of the Genocide still in
their minds, Spyurk has been begetting new generations dedicated to
the ideas and aspirations of independence.
Dear Compatriots,
Yet, Spyurk is also our pain and our concern because on the foreign
shores we daily encounter problems and challenges. There is an
imperative to keep the new generation Armenian-speaking, sticking
to its roots, close to the Motherland, just keeping them Armenian
which is countered by the ocean of circumstances, conditions,
and temptations. We should admit that that ocean has brought
also some losses, which unfortunately and unavoidably will happen
again. To minimize these losses is the most important task for the
entire nation. I believe that the best means and the most efficient
immunization against the evil of assimilation is empowerment of Armenia
and earning of a great international repute. The level of Armenia's
recognition in the world may bring back to the Armenian nation even
those who have moved away, if he or she will have an opportunity to
be proud of the homeland, of the achievements of the compatriots and,
finally, of the Armenian identity.
I think, it wouldn't be redundant to repeat that Spyurk and Armenia
should become each other's extension. Spyurk - politically and
culturally, scientifically and in terms of health care and sports
should be nurtured by the Motherland and in its own turn should nurture
Armenia. It doesn't mean that it will become a faceless adjunct of
Yerevan; it means mutual complementarity.
In the existing conditions of globalization, the danger of assimilation
is multipling and the identity is jeopardized. And it is possible
to prevent imminent threats only through a closer cooperation and
regular contacts with the reborn Armenian state - the Republic of
Armenia. Armenia is the nucleus of the preservation of the Armenian
identity and its shield.
The Diaspora structures, centers, periodicals, benefactors,
intellectuals and individuals who have been creating Armenian schools,
cultural centers, centers for Armenian studies and those who bestow on
the Armenian children, boys and girls our euphonical mother tongue,
who preserve and promote Armenian culture deserve deep gratitude and
profound recognition.
The mother tongue is a potent earnest of the Armenian identity.
For many centuries, the language actually substituted the homeland.
Preservation of the Armenian identity abroad emanates from the vital
interests of the Republic of Armenia. It's not a solely Diaspora
problem; and we do realize that. The Armenian language and national
identity are indispensable prerequisites of our nation's eternity.
Let's try to agree, all of us, the entire nation that in the Armenian
families we speak Armenian only. The Armenian teenager must keep the
Armenian language sacred, must be vigilant, conscientious and realize
that along with speaking many languages, one should not forgo one's
native language, especially now, when high technologies make distant
learning possible.
In Spyurk, the issue of the Armenian language preservation
and dissemination is high on the agenda because a large part of
Diaspora does not speak Armenian or speaks insufficiently, while in
some communities the usage of the language is limited to the oral
Armenian only. Our language is our main weapon in the mission of the
preservation of the Armenian identity, a pillar of our existence and
an important promise of our national unity. Thus, I appeal to you
and expect that issues of teaching, transmission and preservation
of the language will become an objective of our future consolidated
activities. The Armenian state will play a pivotal role in the process,
and we will continue our efforts aimed at making Armenia the center
of the native language teaching through its universities, schools
and express language courses.
I would like to specially touch upon the issue of the Western
Armenian. We, the Armenian authorities will do our best to support
the Western Armenian literary language, which along with the Ancient
Armenian - Grapar, Middle Armenian and literary Eastern Armenian
constitutes a part of our greatest treasure. We have to note without
false modesty that the literary heritage created in the Western
Armenian is of universal significance but at the same time it needs
serious protection. We are ready to listen to the proposals of the
experts and not only on this but also on other issues.
Distinguished Participants,
I wish the Conference productive works and concrete results. I am
confident that Armenia-Artsakh-Spyurk triumvirate can move mountains.
Moreover, some mountains have already been moved. It is not accidental,
that a mountain, the biblical Ararat is the symbol of our unity.
Our formula is precise: the utmost of the Motherland's capacities
for Spyurk, and the utmost of Spyurk capacities for the Motherland.
I once again congratulate us all on Armenia's 20th anniversary of
independence!
news.am
Sept 19 2011
Armenia
YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan attended on Monday
the opening ceremony of Panarmenian Conference of the Leaders and
Representatives of Diaspora organizations held in Yerevan. Armenian
News-NEWS.am posts the full text of President's speech.
President of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, Your Holiness,
Catholicos of All Armenians, Your Holiness, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, Eminent Fathers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I cordially welcome you in the Motherland, where you will participate
at the Panarmenian Conference of the Leaders and Representatives
of Diaspora organizations. I also heartily congratulate you all on
the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's
independence. The Conference is attended by 550 representatives
from 46 states who represent 151 Armenian organizations of Diaspora,
including all its pivotal structures. I announce the opening of the
Panarmenian Conference of the Leaders and Representatives of Diaspora
organizations.
Dear Compatriots,
I am confident that the Conference will greatly promote the development
of the Armenia-Spyurk cooperation for the benefit of the Armenian
nation's peaceful and prosperous future.
This assembly hall represents a collective force. It signifies power
of ten million Armenians and inspires us with pride. That force has
been solving numerous problems through the decades and will continue
to do so.
The Armenian nation is bonded together with its national aspirations
and Armenia's destiny. All our thoughts, emotions sometimes even anger
and outbursts, heated disputes and serene discussions, silent work
and manifestations of protest - all they eventually have one purpose
- to make sure that the Armenia of tomorrow is a better country,
more powerful, more beautiful, more attractive, to see the Armenian
nation more united, more cohesive and well-organized. We are united
not only by our roots but also by our common goals.
Diaspora is not a new phenomenon in our centuries-long history,
however after the Mets Eghern it acquired quite a different nature.
The Armenians had to withstand the test outside their cradle, on the
"alien and desolate roads", had to withstand the test of assimilation
and degradation and had to prove their viability in most different
circumstances. The almost hundred-years long history of the Armenian
Spyurk is a history of struggle and victory, unavoidable setbacks
and exceptional willpower. Armenian communities from Uruguay to
Australia, from America to the Middle East have been covered with
the network of Armenian schools, churches, media outlets, as well as
political, public, cultural and sport organizations - this was done
to save the generation. Each family has become an epitome of the
historical homeland. The Armenian nation has shown to the world an
exceptional example of survival, even though many reputable figures
were considering the Western Armenians out of the historical picture.
Moreover, Diaspora has been able to manifest extraordinary political
achievements. With the horrendous images of the Genocide still in
their minds, Spyurk has been begetting new generations dedicated to
the ideas and aspirations of independence.
Dear Compatriots,
Yet, Spyurk is also our pain and our concern because on the foreign
shores we daily encounter problems and challenges. There is an
imperative to keep the new generation Armenian-speaking, sticking
to its roots, close to the Motherland, just keeping them Armenian
which is countered by the ocean of circumstances, conditions,
and temptations. We should admit that that ocean has brought
also some losses, which unfortunately and unavoidably will happen
again. To minimize these losses is the most important task for the
entire nation. I believe that the best means and the most efficient
immunization against the evil of assimilation is empowerment of Armenia
and earning of a great international repute. The level of Armenia's
recognition in the world may bring back to the Armenian nation even
those who have moved away, if he or she will have an opportunity to
be proud of the homeland, of the achievements of the compatriots and,
finally, of the Armenian identity.
I think, it wouldn't be redundant to repeat that Spyurk and Armenia
should become each other's extension. Spyurk - politically and
culturally, scientifically and in terms of health care and sports
should be nurtured by the Motherland and in its own turn should nurture
Armenia. It doesn't mean that it will become a faceless adjunct of
Yerevan; it means mutual complementarity.
In the existing conditions of globalization, the danger of assimilation
is multipling and the identity is jeopardized. And it is possible
to prevent imminent threats only through a closer cooperation and
regular contacts with the reborn Armenian state - the Republic of
Armenia. Armenia is the nucleus of the preservation of the Armenian
identity and its shield.
The Diaspora structures, centers, periodicals, benefactors,
intellectuals and individuals who have been creating Armenian schools,
cultural centers, centers for Armenian studies and those who bestow on
the Armenian children, boys and girls our euphonical mother tongue,
who preserve and promote Armenian culture deserve deep gratitude and
profound recognition.
The mother tongue is a potent earnest of the Armenian identity.
For many centuries, the language actually substituted the homeland.
Preservation of the Armenian identity abroad emanates from the vital
interests of the Republic of Armenia. It's not a solely Diaspora
problem; and we do realize that. The Armenian language and national
identity are indispensable prerequisites of our nation's eternity.
Let's try to agree, all of us, the entire nation that in the Armenian
families we speak Armenian only. The Armenian teenager must keep the
Armenian language sacred, must be vigilant, conscientious and realize
that along with speaking many languages, one should not forgo one's
native language, especially now, when high technologies make distant
learning possible.
In Spyurk, the issue of the Armenian language preservation
and dissemination is high on the agenda because a large part of
Diaspora does not speak Armenian or speaks insufficiently, while in
some communities the usage of the language is limited to the oral
Armenian only. Our language is our main weapon in the mission of the
preservation of the Armenian identity, a pillar of our existence and
an important promise of our national unity. Thus, I appeal to you
and expect that issues of teaching, transmission and preservation
of the language will become an objective of our future consolidated
activities. The Armenian state will play a pivotal role in the process,
and we will continue our efforts aimed at making Armenia the center
of the native language teaching through its universities, schools
and express language courses.
I would like to specially touch upon the issue of the Western
Armenian. We, the Armenian authorities will do our best to support
the Western Armenian literary language, which along with the Ancient
Armenian - Grapar, Middle Armenian and literary Eastern Armenian
constitutes a part of our greatest treasure. We have to note without
false modesty that the literary heritage created in the Western
Armenian is of universal significance but at the same time it needs
serious protection. We are ready to listen to the proposals of the
experts and not only on this but also on other issues.
Distinguished Participants,
I wish the Conference productive works and concrete results. I am
confident that Armenia-Artsakh-Spyurk triumvirate can move mountains.
Moreover, some mountains have already been moved. It is not accidental,
that a mountain, the biblical Ararat is the symbol of our unity.
Our formula is precise: the utmost of the Motherland's capacities
for Spyurk, and the utmost of Spyurk capacities for the Motherland.
I once again congratulate us all on Armenia's 20th anniversary of
independence!