President Serzh Sargsyan attends Baze-2014 youth camp closing ceremony

President Serzh Sargsyan attended today the Armenia Youth Foundation-hosted Baze-2014 youth camp closing ceremony.

Attended by over 500 young people from Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, the gathering kicked off on August 18. This year’s camp was attended by several new squads coming from Vazgen Sargsyan Military Institute, Police, Kevorkian Theological Seminary, journalists, Phoenix union of disabled persons, young Yerkarapah volunteers and other non-governmental organizations.

The President was briefed on the latest events held in the frame of Baze-2014. He was introduced to the campers’ daily life and watched the video representing the above. Serzh Sargsyan also watched a paramilitary performance and a dance flash mob by the campers.

Welcoming the participants, Serzh Sargsyan wished them every success and expressed confidence the campers have acquired new skills and knowledge, as well as good friends and would be back home with many vivid impressions after the gathering.

Pleased with the opportunity to meet the campers once again, the President congratulated them on today’s holiday - the Independence Declaration Day.

“Twenty-four years ago this very day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and it was a very important event for our nation. The overwhelming majority of Armenian nationals asked themselves what the future held for us, which way our country would go and what complications and difficulties were awaiting us ahead.

Like everybody, I was pondering about the future and was confident that the older generation, the present one and the rising generation would live up to their mission. In the meantime, I had some apprehension about the ability of the younger generation – those born after the 90s – to handle the country’s fate. Thank God, we have managed to fulfill our mission over the past decades, and I am confident that today’s youth is poised far better to complete this crucial mission.

My belief is based not on optimism, but on the facts. Our youth are defending the country’s borders with courage, demonstrating many striking examples of bravery and patriotism.

Our schoolchildren won 19 medals in international Olympiads. To make you realize what it means, I would remind you that the neighboring Georgia won a total of 8. Azerbaijan - 4, and the 80 million-strong Turkey - 22 medals.

I cannot help being proud of our schoolchildren, bearing in mind that an average of 100 young Armenian nationals have entered the world’s top 10 universities annually over the last 4-5 years. I am sure that they will achieve much more than we have done. Our tank crews, with whom you have already met, were able to challenge the world’s largest nations’ crews. This means that everything is going well. I would like to once again congratulate you and wish you good luck,” the President said in his greeting remarks addressed to the campers.

Later on the President watched a gala concert dated to the camp’s closing. He also answered a number of the questions of interest to the campers. The camper reporters asked questions on Armenia’s foreign and domestic policies, defense, economic challenges and welfare topics.