The message of President Vahagn Khachaturyan on the anniversary of the events of March 1, 2008

“Dear compatriots,

Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

Today marks the 16th anniversary of the tragic events of March 1, 2008, when the then authorities opened fire on citizens fighting for their rights and holding peaceful protests.

However, March 1 was not an episode of the use of severe violence by the authorities, but was the result of vicious, criminal-oligarchic morals rooted in our state system for many years, an atmosphere of political persecution, massive and prolonged violation of fundamental human and civil rights.

The crime of March 1 was also the proof of the fact that the then authorities no longer fulfilled the most important and responsible task of creating a viable and competitive political system, stable state institutions, and implementing democratic reforms.

Dear compatriots,

Today, 16 years after the tragedy of March 1, we are steadfast in guaranteeing Armenia's democratic development, which excludes any intention to dispute the free expression of our citizens’ will and the prevalence of democratic principles.

Today, commemorating the memory of the innocent victims of March 1, we reaffirm our will to build a free, democratic and developing Armenia, for which the life and well-being of its citizens is the highest value".

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President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan laid flowers at the monument in the park adjacent to Grigor Lusavorich Street in Yerevan and paid tribute to the memory of the victims of March 1, 2008.