Armen Sarkissian: I wish year 2019 yet again becomes the Armenian year

President Armen Sarkissian together with His Holiness, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, Chairman of the RA National Assembly Ara Babloyan today participated at the reception for the representatives of state governance structures.

President Sarkissian congratulated those present and underscored that 2018 has been a special year for our country and our nation. “It’s been a historic year in many respects. When we think how Armenians are characterized in Armenian and beyond, we will see that people speak of a hardworking, honest people. The first Christian nation, which went through the first major tragedy of the 20th century – the Great Eghern. But people will also remember that in 2018 our people have done huge changes which can be defined as “velvet” revolution and as a revolution Armenian style.

I met people abroad who assess what has happened as the Armenian miracle, because at this juncture of the 21st century to carry such changes in this manner is a miracle indeed – the world is more dynamic and unpredictable, in some ways also tougher and less inflexible. And the small Armenian miracle will have its place in the history of our people and generally.” The President also noted that expectations from us, as a state and a nation, are bigger now. We are expected to deliver new revolutions – economic, cultural, may be even small miracles. And the people too, will be waiting for miracles to happen.

The President thanked everybody who honestly, patriotically and professionally served Fatherland, the state, and the national interests.

“I would like to thank the members of the previous National Assembly, Mr. Babloyan, you in particular, all members of the government. And certainly, I would like to use this opportunity, Mr. Prime Minister, to congratulate you and your team on the brilliant victory at the parliamentary elections. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Tsarukian and Mr. Marukian and their teams for ensuring their representation in the National Assembly.

Year 2019 will not only commence with a new parliament, new government but also, and I am confident, with new approaches. The first of them is Armenia’s high-level representation - for the first time in many years - at the Global Economic Forum in Davos. I highlight this fact because this is an opportunity to tell the world anew that there has not only been a revolution in Armenia, but there is also a clear-cut program, a goal and will, vigor to work in a new way and build this country. I am confident that from the very beginning all members of the National Assembly, the government will have no minute to spare. I want to congratulate you all on this occasion because not a single minute to spare means to serve our people and the state 24/7.”

Congratulating all once again for making 2018 a historic year, President said, “I wish that year 2019 for the Armenians and internationally once again becomes the Armenian Year.”