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New generation of Armenian citizens will learn about impunity only from
their parent's memories. Serzh Sargsyan
15:03, 15 December, 2012
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS: Today, the President of the Republic of
Armenia, Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan
participated at the 14th extraordinary Convention of the RPA. The agenda of
the Convention included the presidential nomination issue and Serzh
Sargsyan was nominated as a presidential candidate. At the Convention Serzh
Sargsyan made a statement. Referring to the presidential press office
Armenpress reports the contents of the statement.
Fellow Republicans,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I welcome you all at the extraordinary Convention of the Republican Party
of Armenia. Today, we have the opportunity, before the Presidential
elections, to assess the current situation, evaluate the efficiency of
steps already taken and to chart our mid-term and long-term objectives. Let
us try to recap what has already been done, understand where we stand now,
and where we are headed.
Two decades ago, our nation received yet another chance to create its own
independent statehood. And, thanks God, we did not miss it. In the first
five years of independence our people endured immense hardship. Our people
came out victorious in a war imposed upon them. Laid the foundations of a
liberal economy on the ruins of collapsing economy. Created public
administration structure characteristic of an independent state, and
created the army. Often, encircled from many sides, sometimes entirely cut
off from the world, within closed borders, it was able to move ahead by the
intellect and vigor of its offspring: we have reaffirmed to ourselves and
the world our ability to live independently. Our people have proven our
right for existence in the 21st century; our right to have a state, our
right to have a future. The first years of independence were the years of
sweat and struggle, years of formation and creation. Through these very
years the Armenian nation shaped the main rationale of our life and work
for the decades to come: everything that is good and virtuous,
controversial and contentious, leaning on the spiritual, intellectual and
material values accumulated through preceding decades. We shaped it the way
we could: as we desired, occasionally as we were compelled to.
In the following decades, our soldiers, workers, farmers, intellectuals and
authorities have been able to solidify these achievements. Our people were
able to preserve the achievements, make the Army and the state structures
even stronger. We were able to create a stable financial system. Thanks to
the unprecedented in our reality tempo of economic growth, we created the
material prerequisites for development. Structures inherited from the
Soviet era and created during the first years of independence were improved
and modernized. The country undertook structural changes in the most vital
areas of education and health care. The time was not simply favorable, it
compelled and commanded these changes, it forced and induced to preserve
and strengthen them.
Almost five years ago a new opportunity emerged for our state, for our
people. Time offered a new starting point to our people. An opportunity and
an imperative to make the structures formed in the preceding fifteen years
deliver their best for the benefit of the people. As it often happens in
history, this time too, the opportunity was accompanied, or rather was
imposed upon us by demanding challenges. Our society shuddered from the
outburst of social and political intolerance accumulated over years.
Another war, which erupted in our neighborhood, shut down our borders. For
a moment, the Armenian economy sagged under the impact of the financial and
economic crisis. The problems and painful issues that had been set aside
for almost fifteen years, piled up and demanded immediate resolution. The
people, more than ever, were waiting to make the best of the benefits
accumulated during the years-long period of favorable environment. Young
people were demanding better housing and a better education, government
employees - a dignified life. Citizens were demanding higher quality public
services. Businesses were demanding a more predictable economic climate and
less administration. The unemployed were demanding jobs. The workers were
demanding confidence in the future. The insecure were demanding
opportunities. The affluent were demanding dependability. And everyone was
demanding justice and security.
To ignore the imperative of the time, fail to fulfill its demands was not
an option. Nobody perceives this momentous truth with greater precision,
than the political force which, through public trust, has voluntarily
assumed the burden of governance: the Party, the Personality. And, together
with you, we have been able to hear the call of the time.
We were able to bring the country out of the financial and economic crisis.
We were able to ease the tax burden for small and medium enterprises. Were
able to save thousands of jobs in the mining and construction sectors;
provide a serious impetus to the creation of new jobs in food production
and light industry; were able to keep our financial system intact; were
able to do things that even much more powerful countries failed to
accomplish.
Still during the crisis, we were able to contain the spike in energy, gas
and water tariffs. We have built hundreds of kilometers of water and gas
pipes, renovated rural roads and initiated the construction of an
unprecedented highway infrastructure. We were able to take communication
and information technologies to most remote corners of our country.
We gave the opportunity to hundreds of young families to buy homes and
provided thousands of people in the earthquake zone with new housing.
Thanks to the introduction of new systems of insurance, we were able to
improve the well-being of government employees; were able to considerably
improve the quality of public services for our citizens. The once
problematic services today are comparable in their quality and
administration to those in the most developed and civilized states. We have
also been able to considerably advance the protection of the rights of the
Armenian consumers. And, at last, it became possible to make maternity ward
services free of charge, while medical care in general became more
affordable. We brought modern, high-quality medical service to the marzes
of Armenia; created guarantees for a dignified old age for working citizens
through the introduction of a new funded pension system.
Rest assured that for our compatriots, who had left Armenia only years ago,
Armenia has changed beyond recognition.
We have started, step by step, to marginalize the corruption and abuse that
were getting rooted in our country for decades. We encouraged and promoted
young and well-educated politicians and statesmen. We launched and brought
to completion a number of critical official investigations. We put forth
our collective will against connivance. We rejected outright a malicious
practice of using force against journalists, opened up the media and
restored the right of TV channels to access the spectrum. We dumped public
communication from the position of strength and restored the right of
people to be in opposition without labeling them traitors. We did not shy
away from difficulty. We have commenced reforms in the most complex and
important areas, starting with the Police and the judiciary. We demanded
that our Police serve the people in a new way, conscientiously.
I assure you that the new generation of Armenian citizens will learn about
impunity only from their parent's memories.
Through the previous five years, together with you, we have been able to
noticeably change our country. However, it is not enough, not enough at
all. We have been able to make Armenia incomparably more attractive for
businesses and a more dependable country for investments. However, there is
much left to be done. We have been able to make Armenia a much more
comfortable and safe country. Still much more will be done. Some of the
problems have been fundamentally solved. The necessary steps have been
taken or the solution of others. It will not take long for our citizens to
see the results. We have set difficult targets. But we have chosen targets
that will continue to make life in our country more prosperous and safer.
Our society will become more equitable, and our state - more secure. All
our steps are directed towards people, towards the citizens of Armenia. All
our efforts are for the people, our compatriots, their well-being. We have
never followed parochial partisan objectives. We take pride in finding
solutions for exceptionally tough problems, and the achieved results. But
each and every of these results requires a dozen, sometimes a hundred
steps, steps which cannot be taken concurrently, because these steps must
be taken also by others. These are steps which are commanded by the time.
Very often, in solving intricate issues, you have to wait for your partners
to make their move. Often you wait for each of them to make a step.
However, as a rule, the results of such partnership are more tangible,
durable and lasting. Many of our initiatives today have already yielded
results. Nevertheless, we have launched many more initiatives, whose
results will be observable for our citizens in the forthcoming years.
Today, I would like to highlight our determination and will to bring them
to a successful completion.
Dear Fellow Republicans,
We need to have a sound and forward-looking objective, which will allow to
concur present challenges and move forward, ensuring a dignified and
prosperous life for every citizen of the Republic of Armenia. Such an
objective solidifies our conviction that our country will be competitive,
endowed with an Armenia-oriented centripetal force. Together, we will be
able to shape a country, which will be competitive enough to offer
sufficient prosperity to its own citizens, will devoid of any sense a
desire to earn a living abroad and will be able in a dignified manner to
summon its children back - to return to a thriving Armenia. We are united
by the idea that Armenia will be a much better place, far more equitable,
freer, and much more prosperous. We have no alternative; we just have to
build such an Armenia.
Today we have a mature battleworthy Army, which safeguards the security of
our Motherland; we have established state and local governance
institutions, a burgeoning civil society, and press which is freer than the
press in many countries, including some developed ones of traditional
democracy. The Armenian family, which went through the crucible of
millennia, is our greatest value. A protected homeland and well-off
families - these are the prerequisites of a well-organized state, and they
will fulfill the objective of secure Armenia.
We are living in a region entangled in a web of consistent hatred and
warmongering rhetoric, a region full of threats and hazards. Some countries
even question the right of the Armenian people to live on their historical
land. The probabilities of military conflicts in our region are rampant.
Stopping the arms race and lifting the blockade remain high on our
political agenda. Dividing lines, xenophobia and the inclination of some of
our neighbors to solve issues through force or threats thereof will
continue to be rejected. Implementation of regional programs while
isolating Armenia is not viable and will hinder regional stability,
security and development processes. We will continue our substantial
contribution to the process of establishing an atmosphere of mutual trust
in our region. No nation is perceived by the Armenian people as enemies. In
the same spirit, the Armenian people anticipate that the authorities of
neighboring states will stop their policy of denying Armenians the right of
existence, sovereignty, stable and secure development, meanwhile pushing
their own societies towards violence. At the same time, we are confident
that the first and foremost guarantor of a secure Motherland is our Army.
Maintaining peace in the region and thwarting military recklessness against
our country depend on a precise and purposeful development of our defense
potential, in accordance with modern standards of professionalism,
discipline, transparency, and control.
Persistence in the reformation of internal security structures and assuring
their compliance with modern requirements, prevention of external threats,
as well as steps to ensure an adequate response will span comprehensive -
intelligence, political, diplomatic, economic, information, if necessary,
military and other measures.
The Armed Forces of Armenia will not engage in exhausting and passive
defense, because they are capable, through their mobility and combat
readiness, to extend security in the region and beyond, and the basis for
that is already set by the excellent execution of combat tasks by our
peacekeepers in different corners of the world.
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia will continue to be supplied
with modern weaponry and materiel, including that of domestic production.
Priority will be assigned to multifunctional complexes combining
observation, detection, targeting and destruction systems. In all this, the
domestic military and industrial complex will play a crucial role, and its
continual modernization will remain in the focus of the state's attention.
Hazing and intimidation of fellow servicemen have no place in the Armenian
Armed Forces. The Army personnel will become most educated and
professional. Discipline will be based on mutual respect of servicemen and
unconditional performance of orders with utmost sense of contributing to
the defense of the Motherland. In all this, the commanders will serve as
ultimate role models, who will lead by their personal example.
In building a secure Homeland, the role of foreign policy becomes ever more
prominent. Today, the international involvement of Armenia is more
inclusive, dynamic and interrelated than ever. Our bilateral and
multilateral cooperation is expanding. The process of deepening diplomatic
relations is going on. The legal framework of our international activities
is becoming more comprehensive. Armenia is developing relations with almost
all leading states, power centers, and regions. There emerge more and more
favorable conditions for presenting the interests of our country, for the
protection of the rights of our citizens, and for the involvement of our
compatriots.
Our permanent attention will be focused on:
=95 Strengthening the external elements of security;
=95 A peaceful resolution of the Artsakh problem, based on the right of
people for self-determination;
=95 Expansion of Armenia's participation in the international political and
economic cooperation and structures;
=95 Pursuing pan-Armenian agenda and adding daily momentum to the process of
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide;
=95 Steps towards the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage;
=95 Development of partnership with the Russian Federation and implementation
of programs to strengthen strategic cooperation;
=95 Development and expansion of friendly partnership with the United States;
=95 Continual policy of approximation with Europe, further strengthening of
our relations with European countries;
=95 Other priorities of our foreign policy.
We will continue to promote and contribute to the implementation of all
initiatives aiming at the formation of a positive agenda of international
relations, which is concurrent with out national interests. We will remain
faithful to the adopted spirit of the partnership and cooperation. For the
world, Armenia will remain a trustworthy and predictable partner.
2015 will be a singular milestone for the entire Armenian nation, the year
of the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide - in Armenia,
Artsakh, the Diaspora, as well as for the progressive mankind. We will put
our efforts into bringing the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian
Genocide to a dramatically new level - the level of international
structures, states, international community, including the Turkish society.
Another essential element of secure Motherland is the peaceful resolution
of the Artsakh problem. This in non-negotiable: the destiny of Nagorno
Karabakh will be decided solely by the people of Artsakh. The Nagorno
Karabakh problem must be solved exclusively through peaceful means, through
negotiations. At the same time, we are ready for a staunch putdown of any
reckless scheme or encroachment, which may endanger our security.
Considering Azerbaijan's destructive policy, persistent propagation of
hatred towards Armenians, daily threats to use force, we will continue
through all possible means to enhance security guarantees for Nagorno
Karabakh and its population. We will carry on with the process of
negotiations. Expressing our gratitude to the Co-Chair states of the Minsk
Group for their efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict, we
will at the same time continue to draw the attention of mediators and the
international community to opportunities for the establishment and
strengthening of confidence building measures, which could be helpful
towards a peaceful resolution. Azerbaijan's policy in general and,
particularly, their refusal to withdraw snipers, refusal to put info force
a mechanism for investigation of border incidents, the glorification of a
murderer, inducement of xenophobia and racism, unreliable and hypocritical
stance during negotiations are not conducive to the establishment of
confidence building measures and, if left unchecked, will exacerbate the
situation in the entire region. It would be reasonable and natural if
Artsakh came to the table of negotiations as soon as possible, thus our
efforts will be aimed at the expeditious resolution of that issue.
Effective negotiations in a constructive atmosphere will become possible
only when the parties to the conflict genuinely want to reach a just
resolution of this issue, abandoning baseless maximalist claims.
Dear Colleagues,
Only fair Armenia can be secure. A `fair state' implies the ability to
discuss with the citizens important issues and adopt fair decisions. A fair
state must guarantee for everyone equal opportunities in politics, in the
economy, and in cultural life; a fair state must ensure and enhance
competition, at the same time protecting the most vulnerable social groups;
a fair state must be able to forestall corruption efficiently.
Justice is based on the rule of law, on the ideas that recognize a person
as the greatest asset, with everything that follows. Ensuring justice is
the task for all state and local governance bodies; nevertheless it remains
the primary task of the courts.
With this regard, we will continue to carry out fundamental, deep reforms,
which, in a short period of time, will ensure accessible justice for our
citizens, its real independence and efficiency.
We also realize that only free Armenia can be fair Armenia. In our country,
pluralism, political liberties, freedom of speech have no alternative. This
is an important principle, and we still have much to do to uphold and
develop it.
Tolerance is the pillar of the political processes underway in our country.
In the process of solving current issues we must rule out discrimination,
suppression of dissent and other despicable manifestations. Constructive
and responsible criticism is the promise of a healthy development of the
political system. Development of a multiparty system and constructive
dialogue between the political units are among important elements of a
secure Armenia. In previous years, we have been implementing the policy of
building bridges, and will maintain that principle in our agenda. The
principle of national and social solidarity has no alternative.
Only ideological competition testifies to the maturity of the political
systems of democratic states. We base our work on the national and
democratic values and we also attach importance to stable relations with
our partners in the Diaspora and its traditional political parties, which
aim at the strengthening of Armenia-Diaspora political ties and the
creation of favorable conditions for reaching the Secure Armenia objective.
A stable and sound political system also implies assistance to the creation
and development of civil society institutions. We are determined to get to
the point when every citizen of Armenia is confident that his or her voice
is heard, his or her criticism receives proper attention and is treated
with respect. The mature state of civil society in our country is a fact.
Non-formal associations of citizens for the solution of issues which
concern them has become a factor which influences decisions of the
authorities and serves as a unique balancing mechanism. We will continue to
move forward in this direction.
Notwithstanding all of the above, the well-being of families remains an
essential base of secure Armenia. We have to set serious goals for our
economic, social, cultural, educational, health care, and equal territorial
development policies.
Dear Fellow Republicans,
You have been handed the first draft of our program. We did it so that with
your proposals and observations you make it a comprehensive and fundamental
program. There is still sufficient time so you are requested to present
your considerations to the Party office for reviewing so that the program
is augmented and finalized.
I am grateful to my Party, to you and in your person to all members of the
Party for nominating me for the upcoming Presidential elections. It is
really very important for me. During these years, impressive steps have
been made in a number of directions, which are yet to yield results and be
brought to conclusion. This is very important for finishing what has been
started.
The organization and conduct of good, fair elections is our first and
foremost priority. We have received excellent reactions to our latest
parliamentary elections. It is inspiring. Today, as a state, we are capable
of conducting elections based on free competition, near absolute freedom of
expression and unrestricted expression of will, and we are determined to
move even further in that direction.
It is no secret that we have always been presenting ideas `in favor', have
never acted against an individual or a force, have been in favor of
discussions and a wider dialogue, and have proposed avenues which in our
opinion lead towards Armenia's enhanced security, towards advancement and
prosperity for our people. We will stay on that course in the future as
well. By the Lord's grace and by its tenacity, our nation has once again
acquired its independent statehood and we will not fall behind the
mainstream of the developed world. We have to ensure this. We must be able
to create a secure Motherland for every citizen of the Republic of Armenia
and care for the well-being of each family. There is no doubt in my mind
that we will.
Armenia's advancement is the only guarantee, which holds the promise of
eternity for our nation, prosperity of our citizens, inviolability of our
borders, our role and place on the international area, and our national
identity.
Each new day in Armenia should be different from the previous, should be
better. We will achieve the Secure Armenia with that very logic - a better
Armenia, prosperous, conducive to living and create in, powerful and
invincible Armenia, based on the concept of thriving families.
In Secure Armenia, everyone should be able to realize his or her dreams,
reach personal, family and national goals, leaving behind all negative
phenomena such as `privileged' individuals, monopoly, and connivance.
A Secure Motherland and thriving families - these are the objectives of our
progress.
Dear Friends,
The Armenian statehood means a free and self-confident citizen. Degrading
human dignity, deprivation of rights and destitution which, under previous
administrations, used to be normal and regular, may not go on in
independent Armenia. A citizen must feel safe and confident on the streets,
in the work place, in a police precinct, and in the courtroom. A citizen of
Armenia must be addressed in capital letters. This is to be taken in the
literal as well as the metaphorical sense. It is the responsibility of any
political force and, moreover, of the ruling Party, to contribute to the
formation of a new Armenian. A new Armenian, who respects laws and who is
confident that he is respected back.
It has been noted on many occasions that the Armenian Army is our dignity.
That is really so. Today, I am saying even more: the entire Armenian state
structure is our dignity. As a nation, we have things to tell the world, we
have things to prove to ourselves and to the world. What can we prove to
the world by offending and deceiving each other, by humiliating and
undermining each other? There are many good things going on in Armenia, but
very often these things go unnoticed unfairly, because there are also
disgraceful things going on, which may disillusion even optimists. We have
a fight to fight; and it is our fight.
Remember this: in any fight the one who is not resilient and patient is the
first to give up and become disheartened. No one is allowed to dishearten
citizens of Armenia. Desperation or disappointment of one single person
means defeat in a wider sense. For that very reason, today, I declare: The
entire state system in Armenia must embody Armenian dignity. Bad workers
are those who possess neither human, nor national dignity, while our hard
working officials can serve an example for foreigners. It is important to
present ourselves to the foreigners in a dignified way; however, before
presenting ourselves to foreigners, we must be able to present ourselves
decently to the citizens of Armenia in a no less dignified manner. There is
no issue that cannot be solved, as long as we are together. Success always
comes when we converge our national efforts. Fast of slowly but it comes.
Our failures start when we lack unity or, to put it bluntly, when we work
against each other - and it doesn't matter whether it is done in the open
or covertly.
I appeal to all: Let us work and help each other, back each other, inspire
each other with hope and faith. A member of the parliament and a citizen,
the head of a region and a citizen, a policeman and a citizen, a minister
and a citizen ought to work in this manner. In this case, everyone will
enjoy that sense of security.
I would like to reiterate: The one who despairs first, loses the battle. No
one should look for solution to this problem in close or distant shores.
The solution is within us. We must be worthy of the memory of those who did
their work virtuously. For being worthy of our greats, one doesn't need to
be a hero; one simply has to do his work diligently. Rest assured that this
way you will be making Armenia one of the safest countries in the world.
All political and civil forces in Armenia and in the Diaspora, and the
Republican Party of Armenia in particular today, along with other tasks,
have a mission - to reach agreement within themselves and with each other
on issues of democracy in Armenia, the rule of law and all other related
issues. These issues are part and parcel of the security of Armenian
citizens.
Struggle for power is a natural phenomenon; however, no matter who is in
power, the leader will face the same problems, which are the problems of
Armenia and the entire Armenian nation. No matter who is in power, the
leader will need agreement and broad public support to work more
efficiently. Public accord is a force which can ensure incredible results
for any good initiative. At the same time, that very force will always stop
the ignorant and reckless, preventing them from conducting unjustified
experiments in our country.
Dear Colleagues,
There is no doubt in my mind that we will win and will see the Armenia of
our dreams - strong, prosperous, and secure. And it will be achieved not
only because of some favorable external conditions. We will accomplish it
ourselves, at our own expense. The intellectual and moral charge of the
Armenian nation is not in the least exhausted. On the contrary, we have
powerful sources to recharge from - in our near and distant past, as well
as here and now.
When Leonid Azgaldian articulated his famous maxim, he meant not only
Artsakh - he meant Armenia and the entire Armenian nation - This Is
Armenia, period.
This is Armenia where we are raising a new generation. This generation will
be stronger than us - mentally, physically and morally. No one is allowed
to shut up young people and stop them from taking to the skies. They have
serious things to do and will do it, but not before they realize the most
important thing - this is Armenia, period.
This is Armenia where we have formed a powerful army which is not to be
fooled around with. The Army is our iron anchor of safety, security, and
eternity. This is the Armenia which those with unclouded reason are wary
of. In the middle of the night, the posture of a young soldier standing in
the mountain snow is telling everyone, this is Armenia, period. No one is
allowed to disjoint Armenia behind his back! I have said this on many
occasions, and will repeat for those who do not get it - no one is allowed.
Patience, indulgence and tolerance have their limits. And we have set that
limits precisely: these limits are the limits of Armenian law.
Let us not forget: This is the Armenia which is watched by millions of
Armenians living abroad. They watch us with hope, desire and anticipation
of positive changes. Sometimes, we are watched through a magnifying glass;
they rejoice and despair with us, and they are right. The power of the
Motherland is a great power. Let me give you one example: Once a French
Armenian told me that in his workplace he never had the opportunity to tell
his co-workers about his Armenian origins. But several days after the
liberation of Shushi, he could not resist the temptation. He began speaking
about his being an Armenian proudly and loudly. Our success can bring back
even those who are headed towards assimilation. Only one thing is needed
-people should not be embarrassed but proud of Armenia's image, and that
image is shaped by us. Whether French or Syrian Armenians - they all
comprehend alongside all its problems this is Armenia, and that says it all.
Yes, there are many problems, but there also exists a power to solve those
problems - our people, the masters and guardians of Armenia, of Armenia
which today is embarking upon a new historic era. This new will era must
not inevitably come through revolutions or wars. The experience of
successful countries proves that achievement acquired without effort may be
lost as casually. Only that which is created through peaceful and effective
work shall be enduring. We have taken that unwavering course: that is
exactly what we are doing.
I say: we will persistently cast aside everything that is bad and wrong in
our work and in our daily life. Towards that end, we have already taken
numerous steps, which are yet to yield results. The endgame starts now, the
winning endgame.
This is new Armenia, period.
This is Armenia of the freedom of speech and democracy, period.
This is Armenia of the rule of law and respect for rights, period.
This is Armenia of economic freedom and competition, period.
This is Armenia responsible for all nations, all citizens living here,
period.
This is Armenia that respects all of its international commitments, period.
This is Armenia that remembers its past, draws powerful charges from it,
but also Armenia that jettisons old debris and creates a new history,
period.
Long live Armenia!
Forward, towards secure Armenia!
http://armenpress.am/eng/news/702816/new-generation-of-armenian-citizens-will-learn-about-impunity-only-from-their-parent%E2%80%99s-memories.html
From: A. Papazian
their parent's memories. Serzh Sargsyan
15:03, 15 December, 2012
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS: Today, the President of the Republic of
Armenia, Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan
participated at the 14th extraordinary Convention of the RPA. The agenda of
the Convention included the presidential nomination issue and Serzh
Sargsyan was nominated as a presidential candidate. At the Convention Serzh
Sargsyan made a statement. Referring to the presidential press office
Armenpress reports the contents of the statement.
Fellow Republicans,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I welcome you all at the extraordinary Convention of the Republican Party
of Armenia. Today, we have the opportunity, before the Presidential
elections, to assess the current situation, evaluate the efficiency of
steps already taken and to chart our mid-term and long-term objectives. Let
us try to recap what has already been done, understand where we stand now,
and where we are headed.
Two decades ago, our nation received yet another chance to create its own
independent statehood. And, thanks God, we did not miss it. In the first
five years of independence our people endured immense hardship. Our people
came out victorious in a war imposed upon them. Laid the foundations of a
liberal economy on the ruins of collapsing economy. Created public
administration structure characteristic of an independent state, and
created the army. Often, encircled from many sides, sometimes entirely cut
off from the world, within closed borders, it was able to move ahead by the
intellect and vigor of its offspring: we have reaffirmed to ourselves and
the world our ability to live independently. Our people have proven our
right for existence in the 21st century; our right to have a state, our
right to have a future. The first years of independence were the years of
sweat and struggle, years of formation and creation. Through these very
years the Armenian nation shaped the main rationale of our life and work
for the decades to come: everything that is good and virtuous,
controversial and contentious, leaning on the spiritual, intellectual and
material values accumulated through preceding decades. We shaped it the way
we could: as we desired, occasionally as we were compelled to.
In the following decades, our soldiers, workers, farmers, intellectuals and
authorities have been able to solidify these achievements. Our people were
able to preserve the achievements, make the Army and the state structures
even stronger. We were able to create a stable financial system. Thanks to
the unprecedented in our reality tempo of economic growth, we created the
material prerequisites for development. Structures inherited from the
Soviet era and created during the first years of independence were improved
and modernized. The country undertook structural changes in the most vital
areas of education and health care. The time was not simply favorable, it
compelled and commanded these changes, it forced and induced to preserve
and strengthen them.
Almost five years ago a new opportunity emerged for our state, for our
people. Time offered a new starting point to our people. An opportunity and
an imperative to make the structures formed in the preceding fifteen years
deliver their best for the benefit of the people. As it often happens in
history, this time too, the opportunity was accompanied, or rather was
imposed upon us by demanding challenges. Our society shuddered from the
outburst of social and political intolerance accumulated over years.
Another war, which erupted in our neighborhood, shut down our borders. For
a moment, the Armenian economy sagged under the impact of the financial and
economic crisis. The problems and painful issues that had been set aside
for almost fifteen years, piled up and demanded immediate resolution. The
people, more than ever, were waiting to make the best of the benefits
accumulated during the years-long period of favorable environment. Young
people were demanding better housing and a better education, government
employees - a dignified life. Citizens were demanding higher quality public
services. Businesses were demanding a more predictable economic climate and
less administration. The unemployed were demanding jobs. The workers were
demanding confidence in the future. The insecure were demanding
opportunities. The affluent were demanding dependability. And everyone was
demanding justice and security.
To ignore the imperative of the time, fail to fulfill its demands was not
an option. Nobody perceives this momentous truth with greater precision,
than the political force which, through public trust, has voluntarily
assumed the burden of governance: the Party, the Personality. And, together
with you, we have been able to hear the call of the time.
We were able to bring the country out of the financial and economic crisis.
We were able to ease the tax burden for small and medium enterprises. Were
able to save thousands of jobs in the mining and construction sectors;
provide a serious impetus to the creation of new jobs in food production
and light industry; were able to keep our financial system intact; were
able to do things that even much more powerful countries failed to
accomplish.
Still during the crisis, we were able to contain the spike in energy, gas
and water tariffs. We have built hundreds of kilometers of water and gas
pipes, renovated rural roads and initiated the construction of an
unprecedented highway infrastructure. We were able to take communication
and information technologies to most remote corners of our country.
We gave the opportunity to hundreds of young families to buy homes and
provided thousands of people in the earthquake zone with new housing.
Thanks to the introduction of new systems of insurance, we were able to
improve the well-being of government employees; were able to considerably
improve the quality of public services for our citizens. The once
problematic services today are comparable in their quality and
administration to those in the most developed and civilized states. We have
also been able to considerably advance the protection of the rights of the
Armenian consumers. And, at last, it became possible to make maternity ward
services free of charge, while medical care in general became more
affordable. We brought modern, high-quality medical service to the marzes
of Armenia; created guarantees for a dignified old age for working citizens
through the introduction of a new funded pension system.
Rest assured that for our compatriots, who had left Armenia only years ago,
Armenia has changed beyond recognition.
We have started, step by step, to marginalize the corruption and abuse that
were getting rooted in our country for decades. We encouraged and promoted
young and well-educated politicians and statesmen. We launched and brought
to completion a number of critical official investigations. We put forth
our collective will against connivance. We rejected outright a malicious
practice of using force against journalists, opened up the media and
restored the right of TV channels to access the spectrum. We dumped public
communication from the position of strength and restored the right of
people to be in opposition without labeling them traitors. We did not shy
away from difficulty. We have commenced reforms in the most complex and
important areas, starting with the Police and the judiciary. We demanded
that our Police serve the people in a new way, conscientiously.
I assure you that the new generation of Armenian citizens will learn about
impunity only from their parent's memories.
Through the previous five years, together with you, we have been able to
noticeably change our country. However, it is not enough, not enough at
all. We have been able to make Armenia incomparably more attractive for
businesses and a more dependable country for investments. However, there is
much left to be done. We have been able to make Armenia a much more
comfortable and safe country. Still much more will be done. Some of the
problems have been fundamentally solved. The necessary steps have been
taken or the solution of others. It will not take long for our citizens to
see the results. We have set difficult targets. But we have chosen targets
that will continue to make life in our country more prosperous and safer.
Our society will become more equitable, and our state - more secure. All
our steps are directed towards people, towards the citizens of Armenia. All
our efforts are for the people, our compatriots, their well-being. We have
never followed parochial partisan objectives. We take pride in finding
solutions for exceptionally tough problems, and the achieved results. But
each and every of these results requires a dozen, sometimes a hundred
steps, steps which cannot be taken concurrently, because these steps must
be taken also by others. These are steps which are commanded by the time.
Very often, in solving intricate issues, you have to wait for your partners
to make their move. Often you wait for each of them to make a step.
However, as a rule, the results of such partnership are more tangible,
durable and lasting. Many of our initiatives today have already yielded
results. Nevertheless, we have launched many more initiatives, whose
results will be observable for our citizens in the forthcoming years.
Today, I would like to highlight our determination and will to bring them
to a successful completion.
Dear Fellow Republicans,
We need to have a sound and forward-looking objective, which will allow to
concur present challenges and move forward, ensuring a dignified and
prosperous life for every citizen of the Republic of Armenia. Such an
objective solidifies our conviction that our country will be competitive,
endowed with an Armenia-oriented centripetal force. Together, we will be
able to shape a country, which will be competitive enough to offer
sufficient prosperity to its own citizens, will devoid of any sense a
desire to earn a living abroad and will be able in a dignified manner to
summon its children back - to return to a thriving Armenia. We are united
by the idea that Armenia will be a much better place, far more equitable,
freer, and much more prosperous. We have no alternative; we just have to
build such an Armenia.
Today we have a mature battleworthy Army, which safeguards the security of
our Motherland; we have established state and local governance
institutions, a burgeoning civil society, and press which is freer than the
press in many countries, including some developed ones of traditional
democracy. The Armenian family, which went through the crucible of
millennia, is our greatest value. A protected homeland and well-off
families - these are the prerequisites of a well-organized state, and they
will fulfill the objective of secure Armenia.
We are living in a region entangled in a web of consistent hatred and
warmongering rhetoric, a region full of threats and hazards. Some countries
even question the right of the Armenian people to live on their historical
land. The probabilities of military conflicts in our region are rampant.
Stopping the arms race and lifting the blockade remain high on our
political agenda. Dividing lines, xenophobia and the inclination of some of
our neighbors to solve issues through force or threats thereof will
continue to be rejected. Implementation of regional programs while
isolating Armenia is not viable and will hinder regional stability,
security and development processes. We will continue our substantial
contribution to the process of establishing an atmosphere of mutual trust
in our region. No nation is perceived by the Armenian people as enemies. In
the same spirit, the Armenian people anticipate that the authorities of
neighboring states will stop their policy of denying Armenians the right of
existence, sovereignty, stable and secure development, meanwhile pushing
their own societies towards violence. At the same time, we are confident
that the first and foremost guarantor of a secure Motherland is our Army.
Maintaining peace in the region and thwarting military recklessness against
our country depend on a precise and purposeful development of our defense
potential, in accordance with modern standards of professionalism,
discipline, transparency, and control.
Persistence in the reformation of internal security structures and assuring
their compliance with modern requirements, prevention of external threats,
as well as steps to ensure an adequate response will span comprehensive -
intelligence, political, diplomatic, economic, information, if necessary,
military and other measures.
The Armed Forces of Armenia will not engage in exhausting and passive
defense, because they are capable, through their mobility and combat
readiness, to extend security in the region and beyond, and the basis for
that is already set by the excellent execution of combat tasks by our
peacekeepers in different corners of the world.
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia will continue to be supplied
with modern weaponry and materiel, including that of domestic production.
Priority will be assigned to multifunctional complexes combining
observation, detection, targeting and destruction systems. In all this, the
domestic military and industrial complex will play a crucial role, and its
continual modernization will remain in the focus of the state's attention.
Hazing and intimidation of fellow servicemen have no place in the Armenian
Armed Forces. The Army personnel will become most educated and
professional. Discipline will be based on mutual respect of servicemen and
unconditional performance of orders with utmost sense of contributing to
the defense of the Motherland. In all this, the commanders will serve as
ultimate role models, who will lead by their personal example.
In building a secure Homeland, the role of foreign policy becomes ever more
prominent. Today, the international involvement of Armenia is more
inclusive, dynamic and interrelated than ever. Our bilateral and
multilateral cooperation is expanding. The process of deepening diplomatic
relations is going on. The legal framework of our international activities
is becoming more comprehensive. Armenia is developing relations with almost
all leading states, power centers, and regions. There emerge more and more
favorable conditions for presenting the interests of our country, for the
protection of the rights of our citizens, and for the involvement of our
compatriots.
Our permanent attention will be focused on:
=95 Strengthening the external elements of security;
=95 A peaceful resolution of the Artsakh problem, based on the right of
people for self-determination;
=95 Expansion of Armenia's participation in the international political and
economic cooperation and structures;
=95 Pursuing pan-Armenian agenda and adding daily momentum to the process of
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide;
=95 Steps towards the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage;
=95 Development of partnership with the Russian Federation and implementation
of programs to strengthen strategic cooperation;
=95 Development and expansion of friendly partnership with the United States;
=95 Continual policy of approximation with Europe, further strengthening of
our relations with European countries;
=95 Other priorities of our foreign policy.
We will continue to promote and contribute to the implementation of all
initiatives aiming at the formation of a positive agenda of international
relations, which is concurrent with out national interests. We will remain
faithful to the adopted spirit of the partnership and cooperation. For the
world, Armenia will remain a trustworthy and predictable partner.
2015 will be a singular milestone for the entire Armenian nation, the year
of the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide - in Armenia,
Artsakh, the Diaspora, as well as for the progressive mankind. We will put
our efforts into bringing the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian
Genocide to a dramatically new level - the level of international
structures, states, international community, including the Turkish society.
Another essential element of secure Motherland is the peaceful resolution
of the Artsakh problem. This in non-negotiable: the destiny of Nagorno
Karabakh will be decided solely by the people of Artsakh. The Nagorno
Karabakh problem must be solved exclusively through peaceful means, through
negotiations. At the same time, we are ready for a staunch putdown of any
reckless scheme or encroachment, which may endanger our security.
Considering Azerbaijan's destructive policy, persistent propagation of
hatred towards Armenians, daily threats to use force, we will continue
through all possible means to enhance security guarantees for Nagorno
Karabakh and its population. We will carry on with the process of
negotiations. Expressing our gratitude to the Co-Chair states of the Minsk
Group for their efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict, we
will at the same time continue to draw the attention of mediators and the
international community to opportunities for the establishment and
strengthening of confidence building measures, which could be helpful
towards a peaceful resolution. Azerbaijan's policy in general and,
particularly, their refusal to withdraw snipers, refusal to put info force
a mechanism for investigation of border incidents, the glorification of a
murderer, inducement of xenophobia and racism, unreliable and hypocritical
stance during negotiations are not conducive to the establishment of
confidence building measures and, if left unchecked, will exacerbate the
situation in the entire region. It would be reasonable and natural if
Artsakh came to the table of negotiations as soon as possible, thus our
efforts will be aimed at the expeditious resolution of that issue.
Effective negotiations in a constructive atmosphere will become possible
only when the parties to the conflict genuinely want to reach a just
resolution of this issue, abandoning baseless maximalist claims.
Dear Colleagues,
Only fair Armenia can be secure. A `fair state' implies the ability to
discuss with the citizens important issues and adopt fair decisions. A fair
state must guarantee for everyone equal opportunities in politics, in the
economy, and in cultural life; a fair state must ensure and enhance
competition, at the same time protecting the most vulnerable social groups;
a fair state must be able to forestall corruption efficiently.
Justice is based on the rule of law, on the ideas that recognize a person
as the greatest asset, with everything that follows. Ensuring justice is
the task for all state and local governance bodies; nevertheless it remains
the primary task of the courts.
With this regard, we will continue to carry out fundamental, deep reforms,
which, in a short period of time, will ensure accessible justice for our
citizens, its real independence and efficiency.
We also realize that only free Armenia can be fair Armenia. In our country,
pluralism, political liberties, freedom of speech have no alternative. This
is an important principle, and we still have much to do to uphold and
develop it.
Tolerance is the pillar of the political processes underway in our country.
In the process of solving current issues we must rule out discrimination,
suppression of dissent and other despicable manifestations. Constructive
and responsible criticism is the promise of a healthy development of the
political system. Development of a multiparty system and constructive
dialogue between the political units are among important elements of a
secure Armenia. In previous years, we have been implementing the policy of
building bridges, and will maintain that principle in our agenda. The
principle of national and social solidarity has no alternative.
Only ideological competition testifies to the maturity of the political
systems of democratic states. We base our work on the national and
democratic values and we also attach importance to stable relations with
our partners in the Diaspora and its traditional political parties, which
aim at the strengthening of Armenia-Diaspora political ties and the
creation of favorable conditions for reaching the Secure Armenia objective.
A stable and sound political system also implies assistance to the creation
and development of civil society institutions. We are determined to get to
the point when every citizen of Armenia is confident that his or her voice
is heard, his or her criticism receives proper attention and is treated
with respect. The mature state of civil society in our country is a fact.
Non-formal associations of citizens for the solution of issues which
concern them has become a factor which influences decisions of the
authorities and serves as a unique balancing mechanism. We will continue to
move forward in this direction.
Notwithstanding all of the above, the well-being of families remains an
essential base of secure Armenia. We have to set serious goals for our
economic, social, cultural, educational, health care, and equal territorial
development policies.
Dear Fellow Republicans,
You have been handed the first draft of our program. We did it so that with
your proposals and observations you make it a comprehensive and fundamental
program. There is still sufficient time so you are requested to present
your considerations to the Party office for reviewing so that the program
is augmented and finalized.
I am grateful to my Party, to you and in your person to all members of the
Party for nominating me for the upcoming Presidential elections. It is
really very important for me. During these years, impressive steps have
been made in a number of directions, which are yet to yield results and be
brought to conclusion. This is very important for finishing what has been
started.
The organization and conduct of good, fair elections is our first and
foremost priority. We have received excellent reactions to our latest
parliamentary elections. It is inspiring. Today, as a state, we are capable
of conducting elections based on free competition, near absolute freedom of
expression and unrestricted expression of will, and we are determined to
move even further in that direction.
It is no secret that we have always been presenting ideas `in favor', have
never acted against an individual or a force, have been in favor of
discussions and a wider dialogue, and have proposed avenues which in our
opinion lead towards Armenia's enhanced security, towards advancement and
prosperity for our people. We will stay on that course in the future as
well. By the Lord's grace and by its tenacity, our nation has once again
acquired its independent statehood and we will not fall behind the
mainstream of the developed world. We have to ensure this. We must be able
to create a secure Motherland for every citizen of the Republic of Armenia
and care for the well-being of each family. There is no doubt in my mind
that we will.
Armenia's advancement is the only guarantee, which holds the promise of
eternity for our nation, prosperity of our citizens, inviolability of our
borders, our role and place on the international area, and our national
identity.
Each new day in Armenia should be different from the previous, should be
better. We will achieve the Secure Armenia with that very logic - a better
Armenia, prosperous, conducive to living and create in, powerful and
invincible Armenia, based on the concept of thriving families.
In Secure Armenia, everyone should be able to realize his or her dreams,
reach personal, family and national goals, leaving behind all negative
phenomena such as `privileged' individuals, monopoly, and connivance.
A Secure Motherland and thriving families - these are the objectives of our
progress.
Dear Friends,
The Armenian statehood means a free and self-confident citizen. Degrading
human dignity, deprivation of rights and destitution which, under previous
administrations, used to be normal and regular, may not go on in
independent Armenia. A citizen must feel safe and confident on the streets,
in the work place, in a police precinct, and in the courtroom. A citizen of
Armenia must be addressed in capital letters. This is to be taken in the
literal as well as the metaphorical sense. It is the responsibility of any
political force and, moreover, of the ruling Party, to contribute to the
formation of a new Armenian. A new Armenian, who respects laws and who is
confident that he is respected back.
It has been noted on many occasions that the Armenian Army is our dignity.
That is really so. Today, I am saying even more: the entire Armenian state
structure is our dignity. As a nation, we have things to tell the world, we
have things to prove to ourselves and to the world. What can we prove to
the world by offending and deceiving each other, by humiliating and
undermining each other? There are many good things going on in Armenia, but
very often these things go unnoticed unfairly, because there are also
disgraceful things going on, which may disillusion even optimists. We have
a fight to fight; and it is our fight.
Remember this: in any fight the one who is not resilient and patient is the
first to give up and become disheartened. No one is allowed to dishearten
citizens of Armenia. Desperation or disappointment of one single person
means defeat in a wider sense. For that very reason, today, I declare: The
entire state system in Armenia must embody Armenian dignity. Bad workers
are those who possess neither human, nor national dignity, while our hard
working officials can serve an example for foreigners. It is important to
present ourselves to the foreigners in a dignified way; however, before
presenting ourselves to foreigners, we must be able to present ourselves
decently to the citizens of Armenia in a no less dignified manner. There is
no issue that cannot be solved, as long as we are together. Success always
comes when we converge our national efforts. Fast of slowly but it comes.
Our failures start when we lack unity or, to put it bluntly, when we work
against each other - and it doesn't matter whether it is done in the open
or covertly.
I appeal to all: Let us work and help each other, back each other, inspire
each other with hope and faith. A member of the parliament and a citizen,
the head of a region and a citizen, a policeman and a citizen, a minister
and a citizen ought to work in this manner. In this case, everyone will
enjoy that sense of security.
I would like to reiterate: The one who despairs first, loses the battle. No
one should look for solution to this problem in close or distant shores.
The solution is within us. We must be worthy of the memory of those who did
their work virtuously. For being worthy of our greats, one doesn't need to
be a hero; one simply has to do his work diligently. Rest assured that this
way you will be making Armenia one of the safest countries in the world.
All political and civil forces in Armenia and in the Diaspora, and the
Republican Party of Armenia in particular today, along with other tasks,
have a mission - to reach agreement within themselves and with each other
on issues of democracy in Armenia, the rule of law and all other related
issues. These issues are part and parcel of the security of Armenian
citizens.
Struggle for power is a natural phenomenon; however, no matter who is in
power, the leader will face the same problems, which are the problems of
Armenia and the entire Armenian nation. No matter who is in power, the
leader will need agreement and broad public support to work more
efficiently. Public accord is a force which can ensure incredible results
for any good initiative. At the same time, that very force will always stop
the ignorant and reckless, preventing them from conducting unjustified
experiments in our country.
Dear Colleagues,
There is no doubt in my mind that we will win and will see the Armenia of
our dreams - strong, prosperous, and secure. And it will be achieved not
only because of some favorable external conditions. We will accomplish it
ourselves, at our own expense. The intellectual and moral charge of the
Armenian nation is not in the least exhausted. On the contrary, we have
powerful sources to recharge from - in our near and distant past, as well
as here and now.
When Leonid Azgaldian articulated his famous maxim, he meant not only
Artsakh - he meant Armenia and the entire Armenian nation - This Is
Armenia, period.
This is Armenia where we are raising a new generation. This generation will
be stronger than us - mentally, physically and morally. No one is allowed
to shut up young people and stop them from taking to the skies. They have
serious things to do and will do it, but not before they realize the most
important thing - this is Armenia, period.
This is Armenia where we have formed a powerful army which is not to be
fooled around with. The Army is our iron anchor of safety, security, and
eternity. This is the Armenia which those with unclouded reason are wary
of. In the middle of the night, the posture of a young soldier standing in
the mountain snow is telling everyone, this is Armenia, period. No one is
allowed to disjoint Armenia behind his back! I have said this on many
occasions, and will repeat for those who do not get it - no one is allowed.
Patience, indulgence and tolerance have their limits. And we have set that
limits precisely: these limits are the limits of Armenian law.
Let us not forget: This is the Armenia which is watched by millions of
Armenians living abroad. They watch us with hope, desire and anticipation
of positive changes. Sometimes, we are watched through a magnifying glass;
they rejoice and despair with us, and they are right. The power of the
Motherland is a great power. Let me give you one example: Once a French
Armenian told me that in his workplace he never had the opportunity to tell
his co-workers about his Armenian origins. But several days after the
liberation of Shushi, he could not resist the temptation. He began speaking
about his being an Armenian proudly and loudly. Our success can bring back
even those who are headed towards assimilation. Only one thing is needed
-people should not be embarrassed but proud of Armenia's image, and that
image is shaped by us. Whether French or Syrian Armenians - they all
comprehend alongside all its problems this is Armenia, and that says it all.
Yes, there are many problems, but there also exists a power to solve those
problems - our people, the masters and guardians of Armenia, of Armenia
which today is embarking upon a new historic era. This new will era must
not inevitably come through revolutions or wars. The experience of
successful countries proves that achievement acquired without effort may be
lost as casually. Only that which is created through peaceful and effective
work shall be enduring. We have taken that unwavering course: that is
exactly what we are doing.
I say: we will persistently cast aside everything that is bad and wrong in
our work and in our daily life. Towards that end, we have already taken
numerous steps, which are yet to yield results. The endgame starts now, the
winning endgame.
This is new Armenia, period.
This is Armenia of the freedom of speech and democracy, period.
This is Armenia of the rule of law and respect for rights, period.
This is Armenia of economic freedom and competition, period.
This is Armenia responsible for all nations, all citizens living here,
period.
This is Armenia that respects all of its international commitments, period.
This is Armenia that remembers its past, draws powerful charges from it,
but also Armenia that jettisons old debris and creates a new history,
period.
Long live Armenia!
Forward, towards secure Armenia!
http://armenpress.am/eng/news/702816/new-generation-of-armenian-citizens-will-learn-about-impunity-only-from-their-parent%E2%80%99s-memories.html
From: A. Papazian