Congratulatory Address by President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of Independence Day

On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia, President Serzh Sargsyan today at the Karen Demirjian Sport and Concert Complex invited a festive reception. At the reception, the President of Armenia made a congratulatory address on the occasion of Independence Day.

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Congratulatory Address by President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of Independence Day

Your Holiness,
Distinguished President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh,
My Fellow Compatriots,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of Independence Day.

For the last twenty-two years, we have been traveling a new road, which has often appeared narrow and rocky just as our mountain pathways. We have been moving forward cautiously and prudently because we carry great responsibility on our shoulders. The is the Armenia of Orontids and Artaxiads, this is the Armenia of Arsacids and Bagratids, this is the Republic of Armenia of the beginning of the previous century, this is the Armenia which has already entered the third millennium After Christ.

Our path is full of ups and downs but it is our way. We are besieged from right and left; sometimes defiant, sometimes vexed, we nevertheless are moving forward towards the light. We will bring back all those whom at times we have not been able to keep by our side. We will reinstate all our losses and will leave all privations behind. We will look back and register with pride that together we have passed gingerly the only possible narrow pathway. We should have no doubts about that.

My Fellow Compatriots,

For a long time our nation was compelled to solve not development but primarily existential problems. Today, the task has changed: now we are calling to life projects which are dealing with the strengthening and development of the Armenian Statehood. Certainly, security is the number one priority for everyone in this world, and we are no exception. Security-related issues will always be in the focus of our attention, just as they are today. We are constantly searching for ways to boost our economy, and we have achieved certain results. We are setting goals to expand the borders of possible, so that each year with a precise regularity we are able to increase salaries and pensions. Along the way, we are carrying out our reforms, which provide steady development for stronger democracy, good governance, the rule of law, and progress in all other areas. Our policies are directed towards these objectives.

The stance of the Armenian authorities and our society is clear-cut. We have had enough of wars, perturbations, abrupt U-turns and adventurism. We need unfailing defense, peaceful work and sustainable development, and we are doing just that. Perhaps a little slowly, perhaps with some slip-ups along the way but definitely not when it comes to the most important issues and definitely not when it comes to fateful decisions.

Armenian State means realization of the Armenian dream – this is the greatest symbolism of today’s holiday. The re-establishment of our independence in 1991 made our nation’s centuries-long dream come true. Our brothers and sisters in Diaspora and, first and foremost, the citizens of Armenia nourish and make part of their own dream, which came true. Are we able to raise our dream fulfilled to new heights in the contemporary world? Yes, we are, if we neither underestimate, nor overestimate our capabilities. For one who is traveling down a rocky pathway it is absolutely crucial to evaluate painstakingly each step along the way.

The Orontids’ Armenia and the Artaxiads’ Armenia were manifestations of Armenian dream. Today, the situation is quite different, and we have quite another country. This is a new reality which our people started to create fighting and defending ourselves while relying on a substantial legacy inherited from the Soviet Armenia. A glance back reveals the huge distance we have already covered and enormous risks we have avoided. It also inspires us with hope that we can accelerate our advancement. Every offspring of the Armenia nation has a mission to be accomplished in this process. If anyone has not learned it yet, it is high time to do so.

My Fellow Compatriots,

Independence is an objective and daily routine at the same time. It has to be conquered every day through living, adopting decisions and implementing them as free citizens of independent Armenia. We are living in a free country, and can discuss anything we want to. One thing, however, is unalterable under any circumstance: the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia. It is a dream and duty fulfilled, which is always with us. This is a feast that we inherited paying the price with our heroes’ blood and this is a duty which we shall pass on to our grandchildren.

I once again congratulate all citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the entire Armenian nation. I wish us all peaceful work for the benefit of our families and our country. I wish we allot our capabilities wisely on different turns of the path and crown with success our dreams and programs. Joint together they make what we call the Republic of Armenia.

Long live the Republic of Armenia!
Glory to the Armenian Nation!