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ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, KARABAKH CONFLICT, MIDDLE EAST: PRESIDENT'S SPEECH AT FORUM "AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT ARARAT"
18:24, 18 March, 2015
YEREVAN, MARCH 18, ARMENPRESS: The President of the Republic of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan delivered a speech at the 5th media forum "At the Foot
of Mount Ararat". The press service of the Armenian President's Office
informed Armenpress that Serzh Sargsyan said in particular:
"Distinguished journalists, Ladies and gentlemen,
I greet you in the Republic of Armenia, and welcome your participation
in the framework of this important and large-scale event. The presence
of 150 well-recognized journalists from the different corners of
the world itself speaks for the international community's attention
to this forum, as well as of its interest towards Armenia. I hope
that, besides your work, you, the participants of the forum bearing
the beautiful heading "At the Foot of Mount Ararat," will have the
opportunity to familiarize with the Armenian culture and cuisine,
and admire the wonderful view of biblical Mount Ararat.
It is obvious that in our days, media outlets have huge potential
to disseminate universal values, fight against their encroachment
and consolidate the international community. Today, a highly
representative group of international media outlets has gathered
under the same roof. You have already built an effective media
platform for the discussions pertaining to the Armenian Genocide with
the objective to once again uncover the realities regarding one of
the most serious crimes committed in the 20th century. This forum,
why not, is also a unique platform to thoroughly and comprehensively
present the achievements of the Republic of Armenia in various areas,
and challenges faced by our country.
In 2015, Armenia, Armenians all over the world and the international
community remember and commemorate the Armenian Genocide committed
in the Ottoman Empire one century ago. The genocide took lives
of one and a half million Armenians, hundreds of thousands of
people became refugees or were forcefully converted into other
religion. Each Armenian from any corner of the world continues to
feel the consequences of the Mets Yeghern psychologically, culturally,
linguistically and politically.
We wish we could have also commemorated the Centennial of the Armenian
Genocide together with the Turkish people, thereby heralding a new
haven of the rapprochement of the two nations and normalization of
their relations. This was the goal pursued by the protocols between
Armenia and Turkey signed back in 2009 and of my invitation to the
President Erdogan of Turkey to join us on April 24 in honoring the
memory of the Armenian Genocide victims. Unfortunately, once more
we encountered denial, one that acquired a particular manifestation
this year.
I believe you are well aware that this year Turkish authorities decided
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli on the
very day of April 24. The only motive for that was the simple-minded
goal to distract the attention of the international community from the
events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. By the
way, in this context your Norwegian colleague BÃ¥rd Larsen published
in February an article titled "Useless Diplomacy," in which he very
aptly put that "this would be tantamount to Germany celebrating heroic
victories of Wehrmacht in the Eastern Front during World War II."
I regret that the Turkish authorities instead of availing themselves
of this Centennial to confront their own history and reconcile,
put themselves in an awkward position by obviously distorting the
well-known chronology the Battle of Gallipoli, and thereby embellishing
their policy of denial with new manifestations.
The Turkish policy of denial pursued not only vindicates the crime
committed by the Ottoman authorities - the dispossession of Armenians
- but also sets a dangerous precedent for the recurrence of new
genocides. The Holocaust, the Rwandan and Cambodian genocides, the
ethnic cleansing and destruction of cultural heritage carried out by
the Islamic State in recent years have all been striking examples of
this. Their efforts to avoid responsibility or consign the Armenian
Genocide to oblivion can be characterized as continuation of the
crime and encouragement of new genocides.
Nevertheless, I must note that larger and larger segments of the
Turkish intelligentsia and progressive youth are demonstrating courage
to confront their historical past, desiring to live a dignified life
and relieving themselves of such a heavy burden of sin.
It is a matter of plain fact that the policy pursued by the current
Turkish government rules out the possibility of bringing the
famous Protocols into life at which official Ankara looked from the
perspective of the absurd preconditions perpetually set forth by it.
For that very reason I decided to recall them from our parliament.
Thus, the process did not reach its logical conclusion, and everybody
knows which party is to blame for its failure. This does not mean that
we are closing the window for rapprochement with Turkey. Nevertheless,
we are not going to get involved in a process, which may fall victim
to the third country's unconstructive whims and, most importantly,
without hope of restoring mutual trust.
Initially, we thought that the policy "Zero Problems with Neighbors"
proclaimed by the Turkish authorities enshrined Turkey's sincere
intentions to normalize relations with neighboring countries, including
Armenia. I do not want to comment on the nature of current relations
between Turkey and other states, but as the subsequent developments
demonstrated, Turkey had to face the reality of "Zero Neighbor and
Numerous Problems." In fact, Turkey's real intention was not to
have zero problems with neighbors, but to impose its own perception
of those relations on the neighbors, which was nothing else than a
manifestation of Neo-Ottoman policy.
The State Commission for coordination of the events for commemoration
of the Armenian Genocide Centenary was established. Its members
encompassed heads of all the largest Armenian institutions. The
Commission adopted All-Armenian Declaration, which determined the
united will of the Armenian people; by that Armenia and the Armenian
people reiterated their commitment to continuing the international
struggle for the prevention of genocides, restoration of the rights
and establishment of historical justice for the nations subjected to
genocide. In that perspective, the Armenian Genocide Centennial events
are not solely of all-Armenian nature; they are a unique appeal to
prevent any encroachment upon universal values. For that very reason I
have invited the leaders and high-level officials of various countries
to visit Armenia on April 24 and, thus, send a powerful message of
the inadmissibility of the crime of genocide to the world.
Dear friends,
The Republic of Armenia will also continue its fight against the crime
of genocide within the framework of international organizations. In
2013, at its 22th session, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously
adopted the resolution on the prevention of genocide initiated by
Armenia. This year we are going to table another draft resolution.
It is inspiring that the representatives of the international community
are also engaged in Armenian-led initiatives. Moreover, its members
continue to bring their weighty contribution towards the recognition
and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.
We are forever grateful to all those states and peoples who both in
times of the calamity and during the subsequent years, have granted
asylum to thousands of Armenians, giving them an opportunity to
survive and preserve their identity and become full-fledged members
of society in the given countries.
While attaching importance to the recognition and condemnation of
genocides as a means of preventing their recurrence, we also extend
our gratitude to all those states and organizations who continue
to reflect upon the crime committed against our nation. This bears
witness to the civilized world's sincere commitment to the protection
of universal values, which inspires nations subjected to genocide
to believe in the restoration of justice and violated rights, just
condemnation of the crimes and inadmissibility of impunity.
The resolution titled "The Armenian Genocide and European Values"
adopted recently by the EPP Political Assembly on March 3, 2015
was a striking example of such a commitment. It contained serious
political messages on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
its condemnation and denial, and called upon Turkey to confront its
past. Such a position on the Armenian Genocide adopted by Europe's
largest and most influential political force should indeed play a
guiding role for European institutions and EU member states.
It is clear that in today's world the guarantee of stability and
normal development is peaceful co-existence and tolerance. This is
the very principle guiding us through the Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process, thereby not allowing Azerbaijan to ruin peace negotiations
with its bellicose statements and provocative actions. In contrast
to Azerbaijani authorities, whose provocative actions endanger the
stability of not only their state but also of the region, Armenia is
fully aware of the grave consequences of such adventurism. Therefore,
by containing Azerbaijan's military provocations, we try to avoid
a new spark of the conflict, which will seriously deteriorate the
already unstable situation in our entire region.
We do not incite hostility and hatred among our people, which has
been an inseparable component of the policy carried out by the
Azerbaijani authorities for years. In contrast to the Azerbaijani
President who declared that the Armenian people are the number one
enemies of Azerbaijanis, I would like to highlight once again that
the Armenians do not have enemy nations.
It was Azerbaijan's decades-long anti-Armenian policy and the
determination to restore historical justice that ultimately drove
the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to exercise their inviolable right to
self-determination - to build their own homeland on their own land.
Regardless of Azerbaijan's threats and provocations, the wheel of
history is impossible to roll back: the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is
already a well-established reality and it is not feasible to break
the freedom-loving spirit of its people. To ascertain it, I am calling
upon you to visit Nagorno-Karabakh to get acquainted with the Artsakh
state-building on the ground and represent the objective reality to
your public.
The Armenian position on the settlement of the conflict remains
the same: it must be settled within the framework of the OSCE Minsk
Group, through peaceful negotiations on the basis of the three famous
principles of the Helsinki Final Act put forth by the Co-Chairs.
Azerbaijan's efforts to alter the format provided by the Minsk
Group, talk to the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh from
a position of force, provocations and blackmail will not yield a
lasting solution. This is an unequivocal truth.
On January 27, 2015 the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a
statement in Krakow on Azerbaijan's destructive policy, in which they
called upon Azerbaijan to live up to its commitments to the peaceful
resolution of the conflict. I strongly believe that continued sending
of targeted messages calling to exercise restraint will incite certain
degree of vigilance with their true addressee.
Distinguished participants,
Although the recognition of the Genocide and settlement of the NK
conflict are of vital importance to us, our agenda is, of course,
much broader.
For centuries, our people have gone through hardships, which have
not been able to ruin Armenians' resolute determination to preserve
their own identity, master their own destiny and, ultimately, build
an independent state. And we have managed to achieve our cherished
goals, which sometimes could have even looked like a dream.
In spite of the hardships that have fallen to our lot during the
years of our statehood, we have managed to build a democratic state
with a liberal economic model. We have not been alone in carrying
out the difficult task of state-building; we have always enjoyed the
support of friendly countries and their readiness to stand beside us
in tough times.
Among our country's important political achievements is certainly the
establishment and development of civil society, which has actively
engaged itself with the government's various initiatives, especially
in the recent years. In terms of indicators in the areas of human
rights, rule of law, economic policy and development Armenia leads
in the region, and considerably excels many countries of the region
in a number of indicators.
With its accomplishments and limitations, the free press that
comprehensively covers and introduces the public to the country's
domestic and foreign affairs, is also a top achievement since
we gained our independence. According to the World Press Freedom
Index 2015 annual report released by the Reporters Without Borders,
Armenia was ranked the 78th out of 180 countries, occupying a leading
position among the CIS countries, and even surpassing some EU member
states such as Greece (91) and Bulgaria (106). It is obvious that
we are not satisfied with that indicator, but we try to assess it
from a comparative perspective, and if we see a real difference in
a five-year or three-year period, yes, we more or less appreciate it.
We have got actively working political opposition. I myself attach
great value to the establishment of constructive opposition and
perfectly understand that it is a key component of a democratic
consolidation.
Armenia has been actively engaged in the initiatives of the Open
Government Partnership, which pursues the objective of promoting
effectiveness, accountability and transparency in governance.
In this context, we also place great weight on the constitutional
reform that we have initiated in Armenia. It is aimed at improving
the constitutional mechanisms for realization of the rule of law
and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, ensuring
steady balance between the branches of government and promoting
good governance. Right now we have reached the stage of finalizing
the revised text of the constitution; a process which hinges on the
principle of utmost transparency and engages all interested parties.
We are fully aware that building a democratic society and country is
an ongoing process, and we are ready to make consistent efforts to
reach our goal.
Distinguished journalists,
Armenia's foreign policy has always been based on the principle
of complementarity of different systems and accommodation of the
interests of great powers involved in the region. Joining the CSTO,
the Republic of Armenia has simultaneously enhanced its cooperation
with NATO, by contributing to the strengthening of international peace
and security through its participation in the peace-keeping missions.
Our country has developed and continues to develop allied strategic
partnership with Russia. The Armenian-Russian allied inter-State
relations are anchored in the close historical ties that existed
between the two nations. The close collaboration with the RF is a key
component of our security, economic development and stability. The RF
is Armenia's largest trade partner: in 2014, our trade accounted for
more than 1.4 billion dollars, there are 1.3 thousand enterprises with
Russian capital in Armenia and the amount of Russian investments in
our economy have exceeded three billion dollars. I am confident that
for very many persons sitting in the hall these numbers seem small
and ridiculous, but believe me that for a small state and a small
economy such as Armenia these numbers are extremely important. We
cooperate with Russia in different sectors - energy, infrastructure,
industry etc. According to non-official data, there are around
2 million Armenians living in the RF. We also continue to deepen
our collaboration with the RF within the framework of international
organizations - the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS and CSTO. We attach
great importance to the Russia's efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement
of the NK conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.
Our foreign policy is also aimed at reinforcement of our friendly
partnership with the US and of the special relationship with France.
Since independence, Armenian-American relations have continued to
develop dynamically. Currently our bilateral agenda includes various
sectors - political, economic, human, security and other dimensions -
in which we have been making further progress year to year.
I must express my content with the fact that owing to mutual efforts
our partnership has now reached its highest level in the history of
Armenian-American relations. The reciprocal visits at various levels
conducted in the recent years bear testimony to this.
We highly appreciate long-standing US support for the RA's economic
development, multi-sectoral reforms, consolidation of democracy and
civil society, which pursue the objective to strengthen our statehood.
We also place great value on the US role in the maintenance of security
and stability in the region, especially on its active involvement in
the peaceful settlement of the NK problem.
Armenia is very keen on continuing interstate relations based on
shared values and the age-old friendship between the Armenian
and French peoples. We value the achievements embellishing our
interstate relations during the last two decades, which involve regular
promotion of political, economic, cultural, scientific and educational
cooperation, and effective implementation of the assistance programs.
The consistent and concerted efforts in the relations between Armenia
and France have resulted in a crucial haven, special relations we
enjoy. France's role is invaluable both in the condemnation and
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide at the highest
level, and in the peaceful resolution of the NK conflict within the
framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship.
Of course, deepening and broadening of our traditionally friendly
partnerships with neighboring countries, particularly, with the Islamic
Republic of Iran and Georgia are top priorities for our country.
We highly appreciate our mutually beneficial and multifaceted
cooperation with Iran, which is rooted in historical and cultural
similarities, reciprocal economic interests and in common approaches
to a number of regional issues.
The multifaceted relationship between Armenia and Iran is maintained
at the high level. This is testified by our active and high-level
political contacts, and agreements reached therein pertaining to the
effective implementation of joint political, economic and humanitarian
projects.
We are closely following the negotiations between the Islamic Republic
of Iran and the P5+1 over Iran's nuclear program. We wish the issue to
be resolved as soon as possible, and the settlement to be acceptable to
all the parties. We are hopeful that the agreements that have already
been achieved will result in a comprehensive settlement of this issue.
I must express my content with the fact that in recent years
the high-level contacts between Armenia and Georgia have tangibly
intensified. Our active interstate dialogue rooted in the traditional,
historical and good-neighborly friendship and mutual understanding
between our peoples establishes serious prerequisites to outline
new dimensions in our partnership. As a result, we are building
effective mechanisms to swiftly address any issue on our current
bilateral agenda.
We have always attached great importance to Georgia's role not only in
the development of our bilateral relations, but also in strengthening
and maintaining security in the South Caucasus.
The level of our political cooperation has provided favorable
conditions for promotion of bilateral economic cooperation. In this
regard, we have made considerable progress in the development of a
relevant legal framework.
>From January of 2015 onwards we have been a full-fledged member of
the Eurasian Economic Union. Since independence active involvement
in regional integration processes has been and continues to be
a priority for the Armenian foreign policy. In the 21st century
regional integration unions play a major role in helping small states
follow ongoing trends in the global economy and fully integrate into
it. In this regard taking into account the present structure of our
country's economy, the geography of export and our economic ties with
EEU member states, the accession to the EEU opens up new prospects for
our country to develop. Free movement of goods, capital, services and
labor give our businessmen substantial opportunities to penetrate new
markets and reinforce their positions there. All this will naturally
stimulate employment opportunities in Armenia, increase of foreign
direct investments and development of our economy.
Distinguished journalists,
Being a full-fledged member of the European family and civilization
and building our development on the European principles and values,
we continue to make vigorous efforts to enhance our relations both
with individual European countries, and with the EU and our Western
partners. The cooperation between Armenia and EU has been marked
by major achievements, which is a result of our concerted efforts,
political will and mutual commitment. Throughout these years,
the large-scale reforms in Armenia have been at the forefront of
our dialogue. To raise the effectiveness of those reforms, we have
transformed the executive structure, establishing the Ministry of
International Economic Integration and Reforms, which will coordinate
those processes.
We intend to maintain these achievements and, moreover, to deepen
and buttress them with further initiatives. This is proved by the
Armenia-EU Joint Statement adopted in Vilnius in November of 2013,
in which the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further
enhancing and strengthening multi-sectoral cooperation. We are taking
active steps both towards development of a new legal framework for
our relations with the EU and pushing forward our agenda with NATO.
Meanwhile, I have to note that under conditions of the boisterous pace
at which globalization has proceeded in the 21st century, when the
world is moving towards formation of a single common area, when it
seems that the economic borders between the states are losing their
importance, it is meaningless to speak about conflicting integration
models. In this respect, as I have said on numerous occasions before
by joining the EEU, Armenia could serve as a connecting link between
the business communities of EEU states and Western countries.
Our country's foreign policy agenda has been expanding with every
passing day through embracing new partners. Our relations with the
countries of the Latin American and Asian countries have intensified,
and we continue to maintain traditionally good relations with the
Arab world. Among the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, we have
kept on promoting close cooperation with China, Japan and with a host
of other states. In a few days, I am going to pay a State Visit to
China, which I am sure will give a new impetus to the development of
our bilateral relations in various fields.
Of course, our foreign policy and security cannot remain unaffected
by events unfolding in neighboring regions and, in general, in the
international arena. By this I refer to the alarming developments
in Ukraine and the Middle East. Today, the so called Islamic State
based in the territories of Syria and Iraq poses a real threat to both
regional and international security. In the Middle East, the cradle of
ancient civilizations, those very civilizations risk being destroyed.
Armenian communities in Syria and Iraq are also affected by that
situation. The Armenian Genocide survivors, who had found shelter in
Syria and Iraq, now have to face the mentioned challenges. Armenia
has already accepted more than ten thousand refugees from Syria.
Armenia condemns the crimes and atrocities committed by the Islamic
State, the Al Nusra Front and by other terrorist groups, and calls
on the international community to take decisive steps against this
newly-emerged calamity. In this context, Armenia expresses its full
support to the complete implementation of the relevant resolutions
of the UN Security Council.
Distinguished journalists,
I think this is all and now I am ready to respond to your questions".
http://armenpress.am/eng/news/798221/armenian-genocide-karabakh-conflict-middle-east-president%E2%80%99s-speech-at-forum-%E2%80%9Cat-the-foot-of.html
18:24, 18 March, 2015
YEREVAN, MARCH 18, ARMENPRESS: The President of the Republic of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan delivered a speech at the 5th media forum "At the Foot
of Mount Ararat". The press service of the Armenian President's Office
informed Armenpress that Serzh Sargsyan said in particular:
"Distinguished journalists, Ladies and gentlemen,
I greet you in the Republic of Armenia, and welcome your participation
in the framework of this important and large-scale event. The presence
of 150 well-recognized journalists from the different corners of
the world itself speaks for the international community's attention
to this forum, as well as of its interest towards Armenia. I hope
that, besides your work, you, the participants of the forum bearing
the beautiful heading "At the Foot of Mount Ararat," will have the
opportunity to familiarize with the Armenian culture and cuisine,
and admire the wonderful view of biblical Mount Ararat.
It is obvious that in our days, media outlets have huge potential
to disseminate universal values, fight against their encroachment
and consolidate the international community. Today, a highly
representative group of international media outlets has gathered
under the same roof. You have already built an effective media
platform for the discussions pertaining to the Armenian Genocide with
the objective to once again uncover the realities regarding one of
the most serious crimes committed in the 20th century. This forum,
why not, is also a unique platform to thoroughly and comprehensively
present the achievements of the Republic of Armenia in various areas,
and challenges faced by our country.
In 2015, Armenia, Armenians all over the world and the international
community remember and commemorate the Armenian Genocide committed
in the Ottoman Empire one century ago. The genocide took lives
of one and a half million Armenians, hundreds of thousands of
people became refugees or were forcefully converted into other
religion. Each Armenian from any corner of the world continues to
feel the consequences of the Mets Yeghern psychologically, culturally,
linguistically and politically.
We wish we could have also commemorated the Centennial of the Armenian
Genocide together with the Turkish people, thereby heralding a new
haven of the rapprochement of the two nations and normalization of
their relations. This was the goal pursued by the protocols between
Armenia and Turkey signed back in 2009 and of my invitation to the
President Erdogan of Turkey to join us on April 24 in honoring the
memory of the Armenian Genocide victims. Unfortunately, once more
we encountered denial, one that acquired a particular manifestation
this year.
I believe you are well aware that this year Turkish authorities decided
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli on the
very day of April 24. The only motive for that was the simple-minded
goal to distract the attention of the international community from the
events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. By the
way, in this context your Norwegian colleague BÃ¥rd Larsen published
in February an article titled "Useless Diplomacy," in which he very
aptly put that "this would be tantamount to Germany celebrating heroic
victories of Wehrmacht in the Eastern Front during World War II."
I regret that the Turkish authorities instead of availing themselves
of this Centennial to confront their own history and reconcile,
put themselves in an awkward position by obviously distorting the
well-known chronology the Battle of Gallipoli, and thereby embellishing
their policy of denial with new manifestations.
The Turkish policy of denial pursued not only vindicates the crime
committed by the Ottoman authorities - the dispossession of Armenians
- but also sets a dangerous precedent for the recurrence of new
genocides. The Holocaust, the Rwandan and Cambodian genocides, the
ethnic cleansing and destruction of cultural heritage carried out by
the Islamic State in recent years have all been striking examples of
this. Their efforts to avoid responsibility or consign the Armenian
Genocide to oblivion can be characterized as continuation of the
crime and encouragement of new genocides.
Nevertheless, I must note that larger and larger segments of the
Turkish intelligentsia and progressive youth are demonstrating courage
to confront their historical past, desiring to live a dignified life
and relieving themselves of such a heavy burden of sin.
It is a matter of plain fact that the policy pursued by the current
Turkish government rules out the possibility of bringing the
famous Protocols into life at which official Ankara looked from the
perspective of the absurd preconditions perpetually set forth by it.
For that very reason I decided to recall them from our parliament.
Thus, the process did not reach its logical conclusion, and everybody
knows which party is to blame for its failure. This does not mean that
we are closing the window for rapprochement with Turkey. Nevertheless,
we are not going to get involved in a process, which may fall victim
to the third country's unconstructive whims and, most importantly,
without hope of restoring mutual trust.
Initially, we thought that the policy "Zero Problems with Neighbors"
proclaimed by the Turkish authorities enshrined Turkey's sincere
intentions to normalize relations with neighboring countries, including
Armenia. I do not want to comment on the nature of current relations
between Turkey and other states, but as the subsequent developments
demonstrated, Turkey had to face the reality of "Zero Neighbor and
Numerous Problems." In fact, Turkey's real intention was not to
have zero problems with neighbors, but to impose its own perception
of those relations on the neighbors, which was nothing else than a
manifestation of Neo-Ottoman policy.
The State Commission for coordination of the events for commemoration
of the Armenian Genocide Centenary was established. Its members
encompassed heads of all the largest Armenian institutions. The
Commission adopted All-Armenian Declaration, which determined the
united will of the Armenian people; by that Armenia and the Armenian
people reiterated their commitment to continuing the international
struggle for the prevention of genocides, restoration of the rights
and establishment of historical justice for the nations subjected to
genocide. In that perspective, the Armenian Genocide Centennial events
are not solely of all-Armenian nature; they are a unique appeal to
prevent any encroachment upon universal values. For that very reason I
have invited the leaders and high-level officials of various countries
to visit Armenia on April 24 and, thus, send a powerful message of
the inadmissibility of the crime of genocide to the world.
Dear friends,
The Republic of Armenia will also continue its fight against the crime
of genocide within the framework of international organizations. In
2013, at its 22th session, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously
adopted the resolution on the prevention of genocide initiated by
Armenia. This year we are going to table another draft resolution.
It is inspiring that the representatives of the international community
are also engaged in Armenian-led initiatives. Moreover, its members
continue to bring their weighty contribution towards the recognition
and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.
We are forever grateful to all those states and peoples who both in
times of the calamity and during the subsequent years, have granted
asylum to thousands of Armenians, giving them an opportunity to
survive and preserve their identity and become full-fledged members
of society in the given countries.
While attaching importance to the recognition and condemnation of
genocides as a means of preventing their recurrence, we also extend
our gratitude to all those states and organizations who continue
to reflect upon the crime committed against our nation. This bears
witness to the civilized world's sincere commitment to the protection
of universal values, which inspires nations subjected to genocide
to believe in the restoration of justice and violated rights, just
condemnation of the crimes and inadmissibility of impunity.
The resolution titled "The Armenian Genocide and European Values"
adopted recently by the EPP Political Assembly on March 3, 2015
was a striking example of such a commitment. It contained serious
political messages on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
its condemnation and denial, and called upon Turkey to confront its
past. Such a position on the Armenian Genocide adopted by Europe's
largest and most influential political force should indeed play a
guiding role for European institutions and EU member states.
It is clear that in today's world the guarantee of stability and
normal development is peaceful co-existence and tolerance. This is
the very principle guiding us through the Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process, thereby not allowing Azerbaijan to ruin peace negotiations
with its bellicose statements and provocative actions. In contrast
to Azerbaijani authorities, whose provocative actions endanger the
stability of not only their state but also of the region, Armenia is
fully aware of the grave consequences of such adventurism. Therefore,
by containing Azerbaijan's military provocations, we try to avoid
a new spark of the conflict, which will seriously deteriorate the
already unstable situation in our entire region.
We do not incite hostility and hatred among our people, which has
been an inseparable component of the policy carried out by the
Azerbaijani authorities for years. In contrast to the Azerbaijani
President who declared that the Armenian people are the number one
enemies of Azerbaijanis, I would like to highlight once again that
the Armenians do not have enemy nations.
It was Azerbaijan's decades-long anti-Armenian policy and the
determination to restore historical justice that ultimately drove
the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to exercise their inviolable right to
self-determination - to build their own homeland on their own land.
Regardless of Azerbaijan's threats and provocations, the wheel of
history is impossible to roll back: the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is
already a well-established reality and it is not feasible to break
the freedom-loving spirit of its people. To ascertain it, I am calling
upon you to visit Nagorno-Karabakh to get acquainted with the Artsakh
state-building on the ground and represent the objective reality to
your public.
The Armenian position on the settlement of the conflict remains
the same: it must be settled within the framework of the OSCE Minsk
Group, through peaceful negotiations on the basis of the three famous
principles of the Helsinki Final Act put forth by the Co-Chairs.
Azerbaijan's efforts to alter the format provided by the Minsk
Group, talk to the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh from
a position of force, provocations and blackmail will not yield a
lasting solution. This is an unequivocal truth.
On January 27, 2015 the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a
statement in Krakow on Azerbaijan's destructive policy, in which they
called upon Azerbaijan to live up to its commitments to the peaceful
resolution of the conflict. I strongly believe that continued sending
of targeted messages calling to exercise restraint will incite certain
degree of vigilance with their true addressee.
Distinguished participants,
Although the recognition of the Genocide and settlement of the NK
conflict are of vital importance to us, our agenda is, of course,
much broader.
For centuries, our people have gone through hardships, which have
not been able to ruin Armenians' resolute determination to preserve
their own identity, master their own destiny and, ultimately, build
an independent state. And we have managed to achieve our cherished
goals, which sometimes could have even looked like a dream.
In spite of the hardships that have fallen to our lot during the
years of our statehood, we have managed to build a democratic state
with a liberal economic model. We have not been alone in carrying
out the difficult task of state-building; we have always enjoyed the
support of friendly countries and their readiness to stand beside us
in tough times.
Among our country's important political achievements is certainly the
establishment and development of civil society, which has actively
engaged itself with the government's various initiatives, especially
in the recent years. In terms of indicators in the areas of human
rights, rule of law, economic policy and development Armenia leads
in the region, and considerably excels many countries of the region
in a number of indicators.
With its accomplishments and limitations, the free press that
comprehensively covers and introduces the public to the country's
domestic and foreign affairs, is also a top achievement since
we gained our independence. According to the World Press Freedom
Index 2015 annual report released by the Reporters Without Borders,
Armenia was ranked the 78th out of 180 countries, occupying a leading
position among the CIS countries, and even surpassing some EU member
states such as Greece (91) and Bulgaria (106). It is obvious that
we are not satisfied with that indicator, but we try to assess it
from a comparative perspective, and if we see a real difference in
a five-year or three-year period, yes, we more or less appreciate it.
We have got actively working political opposition. I myself attach
great value to the establishment of constructive opposition and
perfectly understand that it is a key component of a democratic
consolidation.
Armenia has been actively engaged in the initiatives of the Open
Government Partnership, which pursues the objective of promoting
effectiveness, accountability and transparency in governance.
In this context, we also place great weight on the constitutional
reform that we have initiated in Armenia. It is aimed at improving
the constitutional mechanisms for realization of the rule of law
and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, ensuring
steady balance between the branches of government and promoting
good governance. Right now we have reached the stage of finalizing
the revised text of the constitution; a process which hinges on the
principle of utmost transparency and engages all interested parties.
We are fully aware that building a democratic society and country is
an ongoing process, and we are ready to make consistent efforts to
reach our goal.
Distinguished journalists,
Armenia's foreign policy has always been based on the principle
of complementarity of different systems and accommodation of the
interests of great powers involved in the region. Joining the CSTO,
the Republic of Armenia has simultaneously enhanced its cooperation
with NATO, by contributing to the strengthening of international peace
and security through its participation in the peace-keeping missions.
Our country has developed and continues to develop allied strategic
partnership with Russia. The Armenian-Russian allied inter-State
relations are anchored in the close historical ties that existed
between the two nations. The close collaboration with the RF is a key
component of our security, economic development and stability. The RF
is Armenia's largest trade partner: in 2014, our trade accounted for
more than 1.4 billion dollars, there are 1.3 thousand enterprises with
Russian capital in Armenia and the amount of Russian investments in
our economy have exceeded three billion dollars. I am confident that
for very many persons sitting in the hall these numbers seem small
and ridiculous, but believe me that for a small state and a small
economy such as Armenia these numbers are extremely important. We
cooperate with Russia in different sectors - energy, infrastructure,
industry etc. According to non-official data, there are around
2 million Armenians living in the RF. We also continue to deepen
our collaboration with the RF within the framework of international
organizations - the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS and CSTO. We attach
great importance to the Russia's efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement
of the NK conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.
Our foreign policy is also aimed at reinforcement of our friendly
partnership with the US and of the special relationship with France.
Since independence, Armenian-American relations have continued to
develop dynamically. Currently our bilateral agenda includes various
sectors - political, economic, human, security and other dimensions -
in which we have been making further progress year to year.
I must express my content with the fact that owing to mutual efforts
our partnership has now reached its highest level in the history of
Armenian-American relations. The reciprocal visits at various levels
conducted in the recent years bear testimony to this.
We highly appreciate long-standing US support for the RA's economic
development, multi-sectoral reforms, consolidation of democracy and
civil society, which pursue the objective to strengthen our statehood.
We also place great value on the US role in the maintenance of security
and stability in the region, especially on its active involvement in
the peaceful settlement of the NK problem.
Armenia is very keen on continuing interstate relations based on
shared values and the age-old friendship between the Armenian
and French peoples. We value the achievements embellishing our
interstate relations during the last two decades, which involve regular
promotion of political, economic, cultural, scientific and educational
cooperation, and effective implementation of the assistance programs.
The consistent and concerted efforts in the relations between Armenia
and France have resulted in a crucial haven, special relations we
enjoy. France's role is invaluable both in the condemnation and
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide at the highest
level, and in the peaceful resolution of the NK conflict within the
framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship.
Of course, deepening and broadening of our traditionally friendly
partnerships with neighboring countries, particularly, with the Islamic
Republic of Iran and Georgia are top priorities for our country.
We highly appreciate our mutually beneficial and multifaceted
cooperation with Iran, which is rooted in historical and cultural
similarities, reciprocal economic interests and in common approaches
to a number of regional issues.
The multifaceted relationship between Armenia and Iran is maintained
at the high level. This is testified by our active and high-level
political contacts, and agreements reached therein pertaining to the
effective implementation of joint political, economic and humanitarian
projects.
We are closely following the negotiations between the Islamic Republic
of Iran and the P5+1 over Iran's nuclear program. We wish the issue to
be resolved as soon as possible, and the settlement to be acceptable to
all the parties. We are hopeful that the agreements that have already
been achieved will result in a comprehensive settlement of this issue.
I must express my content with the fact that in recent years
the high-level contacts between Armenia and Georgia have tangibly
intensified. Our active interstate dialogue rooted in the traditional,
historical and good-neighborly friendship and mutual understanding
between our peoples establishes serious prerequisites to outline
new dimensions in our partnership. As a result, we are building
effective mechanisms to swiftly address any issue on our current
bilateral agenda.
We have always attached great importance to Georgia's role not only in
the development of our bilateral relations, but also in strengthening
and maintaining security in the South Caucasus.
The level of our political cooperation has provided favorable
conditions for promotion of bilateral economic cooperation. In this
regard, we have made considerable progress in the development of a
relevant legal framework.
>From January of 2015 onwards we have been a full-fledged member of
the Eurasian Economic Union. Since independence active involvement
in regional integration processes has been and continues to be
a priority for the Armenian foreign policy. In the 21st century
regional integration unions play a major role in helping small states
follow ongoing trends in the global economy and fully integrate into
it. In this regard taking into account the present structure of our
country's economy, the geography of export and our economic ties with
EEU member states, the accession to the EEU opens up new prospects for
our country to develop. Free movement of goods, capital, services and
labor give our businessmen substantial opportunities to penetrate new
markets and reinforce their positions there. All this will naturally
stimulate employment opportunities in Armenia, increase of foreign
direct investments and development of our economy.
Distinguished journalists,
Being a full-fledged member of the European family and civilization
and building our development on the European principles and values,
we continue to make vigorous efforts to enhance our relations both
with individual European countries, and with the EU and our Western
partners. The cooperation between Armenia and EU has been marked
by major achievements, which is a result of our concerted efforts,
political will and mutual commitment. Throughout these years,
the large-scale reforms in Armenia have been at the forefront of
our dialogue. To raise the effectiveness of those reforms, we have
transformed the executive structure, establishing the Ministry of
International Economic Integration and Reforms, which will coordinate
those processes.
We intend to maintain these achievements and, moreover, to deepen
and buttress them with further initiatives. This is proved by the
Armenia-EU Joint Statement adopted in Vilnius in November of 2013,
in which the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further
enhancing and strengthening multi-sectoral cooperation. We are taking
active steps both towards development of a new legal framework for
our relations with the EU and pushing forward our agenda with NATO.
Meanwhile, I have to note that under conditions of the boisterous pace
at which globalization has proceeded in the 21st century, when the
world is moving towards formation of a single common area, when it
seems that the economic borders between the states are losing their
importance, it is meaningless to speak about conflicting integration
models. In this respect, as I have said on numerous occasions before
by joining the EEU, Armenia could serve as a connecting link between
the business communities of EEU states and Western countries.
Our country's foreign policy agenda has been expanding with every
passing day through embracing new partners. Our relations with the
countries of the Latin American and Asian countries have intensified,
and we continue to maintain traditionally good relations with the
Arab world. Among the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, we have
kept on promoting close cooperation with China, Japan and with a host
of other states. In a few days, I am going to pay a State Visit to
China, which I am sure will give a new impetus to the development of
our bilateral relations in various fields.
Of course, our foreign policy and security cannot remain unaffected
by events unfolding in neighboring regions and, in general, in the
international arena. By this I refer to the alarming developments
in Ukraine and the Middle East. Today, the so called Islamic State
based in the territories of Syria and Iraq poses a real threat to both
regional and international security. In the Middle East, the cradle of
ancient civilizations, those very civilizations risk being destroyed.
Armenian communities in Syria and Iraq are also affected by that
situation. The Armenian Genocide survivors, who had found shelter in
Syria and Iraq, now have to face the mentioned challenges. Armenia
has already accepted more than ten thousand refugees from Syria.
Armenia condemns the crimes and atrocities committed by the Islamic
State, the Al Nusra Front and by other terrorist groups, and calls
on the international community to take decisive steps against this
newly-emerged calamity. In this context, Armenia expresses its full
support to the complete implementation of the relevant resolutions
of the UN Security Council.
Distinguished journalists,
I think this is all and now I am ready to respond to your questions".
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