"If we do not radically change our position and try to make patches, we will be back where we started." President Armen Sarkissian met with representatives of organizations and groups that volunteered during the war and the post-war period

President of the Republic Armen Sarkissian met with the representatives of various organizations and groups that initiated volunteer activities in the social support, security, information, and other spheres during the war and the post-war period.

"This war showed that people are very united, there was a willingness to help and support. The support from individuals has been enormous, both in heart, mind, and deed," said President Sarkissian, "It continues today. People help whose job does not require doing it, nor is it their official duty; it is just the word of their hearts. I think the first step should be to thank you on behalf of the state. Thank you, I appreciate what each of you has done. I know that you all did it for a specific purpose - patriotism. Receive my deep respect and warm thanks to every one of you.”

The President said that the difficulties would increase in all spheres, and the best way to overcome them was to work․ "In my life experience, the best way to overcome adversity is to run, i.e. to work," noted the President, "You have been ‘running’ all this time. But not everyone can do it. So, maybe you can help a lot of people to 'run'. You did what you did; so, there is no need to teach you any moral lessons. On the contrary, we can learn from many of you.”

Answering the questions of the participants of the meeting, the President of the Republic noted that our approach to the state and statehood should change. "We must be able to defend our national values and statehood every day," said the President, "We must be able to show that we are strong people, worthy of our ancestors. When you are strong and organized, you will always win.

We must form a correct development model. We have lived in a closed model for thirty years. I have always believed in the open model. When I was Prime Minister in 1996, the world was different. It was material; it was a world of natural resources. In just thirty years, the world became completely different, a virtual world. Our country must have an open model of development because our greatest advantage is ourselves, the Armenians. But we do our best not to let the Diaspora people come here; we have built all possible barriers in the world and Berlin walls. Let them just send money from there, and we will spend it.

Most important is education; especially in this new model, education is very important in the 21st century. When you have thousands of well-educated young people abroad, you have to get them involved and participate.

We must conduct auditing in all areas, starting from democracy and freedom. We have a state where everything is personalized; everyone is looking for a saviour. When you personalize an institute with a person, it is a disaster. We need leaders, not saviours. You are young, and each of you is a leader.

The state system does not work in a full-fledged way. I do not think that we can build a state by 'retouch and colour.' Let us have a systemic approach. I suggest that the presidential institute be the platform where we can gather and think together about how to create a system. I suggest that we meet again and work in a systematic way. It is a pity if this experience of yours is lost. I want you to preserve what you have created.

Answering the question on consolidating the Diaspora, President Sarkissian noted that people should be involved and citizenship barriers removed. "The state must have a clear program," said the President, "Speaking about our country, we must speak about the entire people: the Armenians from St. Petersburgh to Los-Angeles, and elsewhere. We have a task to make a radical change in Armenia-Diaspora relations. In this respect, the President of Armenia should be the President of all Armenians; the Government of Armenia should be the Government of all Armenians; listen to them and involve them. Today is the time. It is a crucial moment: we need to change our approaches. There, too, I am ready to work with you, with all the structures of the Diaspora.

We are a talented people; our talent is flourishing everywhere except our country. Let us do our best to develop this country. As President, I must do the utmost to make our country stable and move forward without significant losses. I hope that these misfortunes and difficulties will make us rebuild the state because a lot is missing. In many areas we can start from scratch and build rightly. If we do not radically change, and try to make patches, we will be back where we started. I offer to cooperate, of course, for non-political purposes. I have made it clear that I am not going to be Prime Minister; I am not going to form a party; I know I have responsibilities sitting in this building. Especially now, when there is a crisis, this institute is becoming more important."