Updates
Statements and messages of the President of RA
20
08, 2010
Statement of President Serzh Sargsyan at the official unveiling of the Hill of Honor Memorial
Mr. President,
I am happy to greet you here, at the Memorial dedicated to the Russian troops killed during the Russian-Turkish war. The most intense battles of the Caucasian Front were fought in this environs, southward from this place. One hundred fifty-five years ago, the Chief Commander of the Caucasian Corps, General of the Infantry Muravyev-Karski issued the order to establish here a military cemetery – the Hill of Honor, which became the resting place for the hundreds of troops and officers who had sacrificed their lives in the feat of arms.
Nations, which were living under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire, were looking for the liberation and salvation with the assistance of the Russians. The arrival of the Russian troops into their land meant an opportunity for freedom, self-determination and independence. It’s no coincidence that the Armenian nation, whose historical homeland was divided between the Ottoman and Russian Empires, in its quest to dispose of the tyranny of the Ottoman Sultans, was anticipating the assistance of the Russians. The Eastern Question, one of the most intricate issues in the history of diplomacy, emerged at that very time and continues to resonate even today in the Balkans and the Caucasus.
The Armenian nation was longing for the liberation of its historical homeland, while the government of the Ottoman Empire was looking for the opportunity to give the ultimate solution to the Armenian Question. During the World War I that very government had unleashed a campaign of terror against its own subjects not only in the military zones but everywhere. The Armenian population – women, children and old people – were mercilessly deported from every city and every village of the Empire and exterminated.
The Russian saying states “Gauge out the eye of the one who mentions the past”, while the great Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn in the prologue to his epic “Archipelago GULAG” conveys the second part of the maxim - “and gauge out the both eyes of the one, who forgets”.
There aren’t two neighboring states in the world that have no historical contradiction, conflicts, or disagreements many of which are unresolved even today. However the civilized response to these challenges is a full-fledged cooperation – mutually beneficial trade and joint search for mutual understanding. This was the logic behind our initiative to improve relations between Armenia and Turkey. However due to the inability of the Turkish leadership to display political will, the process was halted. We, unfortunately, are compelled to wait until official Ankara is actually ready to carry out her international obligations.
Mr. President,
The restoration of the military cemetery the Hill of Honor, which in Soviet times for ideological reasons was left to the whims of fortune, has become a task of honor, worthy of the intensity of the Armenian-Russian relations. Mr. Medvedev, today I would like to express gratitude for your participation in the unveiling of the Memorial. I would also like to recognize and commend the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko, who initiated this project and made its implementation his daily work. My commendation goes also to the administrations of Shirak marz of Armenia and Ulyanovsk region of the Russian Federation – the memorandum on restoration of the Memorial was signed in the framework of their agreement on cooperation. I would also like to thank the Task of Honor benevolent Fund, the architects and sculptors and all those, who have participated in the realization of this noble undertaking.
Indeed, one who doesn’t remember the past, doesn’t have future. Here, at the Hill of Honor restored was the Memorial dedicated to the Russian officers and which in 1919 was blown up in Kars – the city which after tragic historical developments had ended up on the other side of the border. We respect our history and memory of the fallen troops, who had found their resting place in the Armenian soil.
History of the Armenian-Russian friendship, which can be defined as a constant merger of the two nations, is reach with the examples of heroism, self-sacrifice for a common goal and common victory. We will always remember Generals Nikolai Muravyov, Mikhail Loris-Melikov, Arshak Ter-Gukasov and Mikhail Skobelev and heroic acts of Yakov Alkhazov and Konstantin Komarov. These pages of our history forged a special spirit of confidence and support, which also today defies the Armenian-Russian relations.
High spirit and friendship tested by historical hardships, were the source of that very infinite force, courage and heroism that our fathers and grandfathers manifested during the Kursk Battle, in the relieve of the Siege of Leningrad, liberation of the countries and peoples of Europe. We take pride in the fact that sons of Armenia and Artsakh were in the vanguard of the troops, demonstrating their courage at the battlefield. I am proud that during the ominous years of the two world wars, the Armenian people were fighting on the right side of history. I view today’s event as a token of sincere appreciation for all those who fought shoulder to shoulder for freedom and justice.
Dear Friends,
It is no exaggeration to state that today the Armenian-Russian relations are those of sincere friendship and mutual respect. Our strategic partnership is in the main interest of our peoples – future development of Armenia and Russia, enhancement of security and stability in our region. The Armenian-Russian political and military as well as trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation will develop successfully and dynamically thanks to the positive signals that are received from our peoples and governments of our two countries.
We view the Armenian-Russian partnership as the most important and indispensable factor for the maintenance of stability and security in our region. We also realize that such a level of interaction supposes historic responsibility not only to our next generations but also to the peoples of the region and international community. Armenia has always been a reliable partner and ally. There will no discrepancies between our deeds and our works in the future as well.
The Armenian-Russian understanding has deep historical roots. Thanks to these roots, we are here today, at the Hill of Honor. Our driving force is not passing sentiments or the reminiscences of the past but the comprehension of our long-term national interests and their steadfast realization. They also allow us to respond adequately to the trying challenges of the contemporary world. With this comprehension we have signed today the Protocol on the prolonged presence of the Russian military base in Armenia and have expanded the area of its responsibilities.
The Hill of Honor is yet another symbol of friendship of the peoples of Armenia and Russia. I am confident that it will always be adorned with fresh flowers, bright as the history of our relations. Paying tribute to our heroes, we must urge our younger generation to live in peace and engage in creative work.
Be worthy of the memory of the martyrs, always.
I am happy to greet you here, at the Memorial dedicated to the Russian troops killed during the Russian-Turkish war. The most intense battles of the Caucasian Front were fought in this environs, southward from this place. One hundred fifty-five years ago, the Chief Commander of the Caucasian Corps, General of the Infantry Muravyev-Karski issued the order to establish here a military cemetery – the Hill of Honor, which became the resting place for the hundreds of troops and officers who had sacrificed their lives in the feat of arms.
Nations, which were living under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire, were looking for the liberation and salvation with the assistance of the Russians. The arrival of the Russian troops into their land meant an opportunity for freedom, self-determination and independence. It’s no coincidence that the Armenian nation, whose historical homeland was divided between the Ottoman and Russian Empires, in its quest to dispose of the tyranny of the Ottoman Sultans, was anticipating the assistance of the Russians. The Eastern Question, one of the most intricate issues in the history of diplomacy, emerged at that very time and continues to resonate even today in the Balkans and the Caucasus.
The Armenian nation was longing for the liberation of its historical homeland, while the government of the Ottoman Empire was looking for the opportunity to give the ultimate solution to the Armenian Question. During the World War I that very government had unleashed a campaign of terror against its own subjects not only in the military zones but everywhere. The Armenian population – women, children and old people – were mercilessly deported from every city and every village of the Empire and exterminated.
The Russian saying states “Gauge out the eye of the one who mentions the past”, while the great Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn in the prologue to his epic “Archipelago GULAG” conveys the second part of the maxim - “and gauge out the both eyes of the one, who forgets”.
There aren’t two neighboring states in the world that have no historical contradiction, conflicts, or disagreements many of which are unresolved even today. However the civilized response to these challenges is a full-fledged cooperation – mutually beneficial trade and joint search for mutual understanding. This was the logic behind our initiative to improve relations between Armenia and Turkey. However due to the inability of the Turkish leadership to display political will, the process was halted. We, unfortunately, are compelled to wait until official Ankara is actually ready to carry out her international obligations.
Mr. President,
The restoration of the military cemetery the Hill of Honor, which in Soviet times for ideological reasons was left to the whims of fortune, has become a task of honor, worthy of the intensity of the Armenian-Russian relations. Mr. Medvedev, today I would like to express gratitude for your participation in the unveiling of the Memorial. I would also like to recognize and commend the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko, who initiated this project and made its implementation his daily work. My commendation goes also to the administrations of Shirak marz of Armenia and Ulyanovsk region of the Russian Federation – the memorandum on restoration of the Memorial was signed in the framework of their agreement on cooperation. I would also like to thank the Task of Honor benevolent Fund, the architects and sculptors and all those, who have participated in the realization of this noble undertaking.
Indeed, one who doesn’t remember the past, doesn’t have future. Here, at the Hill of Honor restored was the Memorial dedicated to the Russian officers and which in 1919 was blown up in Kars – the city which after tragic historical developments had ended up on the other side of the border. We respect our history and memory of the fallen troops, who had found their resting place in the Armenian soil.
History of the Armenian-Russian friendship, which can be defined as a constant merger of the two nations, is reach with the examples of heroism, self-sacrifice for a common goal and common victory. We will always remember Generals Nikolai Muravyov, Mikhail Loris-Melikov, Arshak Ter-Gukasov and Mikhail Skobelev and heroic acts of Yakov Alkhazov and Konstantin Komarov. These pages of our history forged a special spirit of confidence and support, which also today defies the Armenian-Russian relations.
High spirit and friendship tested by historical hardships, were the source of that very infinite force, courage and heroism that our fathers and grandfathers manifested during the Kursk Battle, in the relieve of the Siege of Leningrad, liberation of the countries and peoples of Europe. We take pride in the fact that sons of Armenia and Artsakh were in the vanguard of the troops, demonstrating their courage at the battlefield. I am proud that during the ominous years of the two world wars, the Armenian people were fighting on the right side of history. I view today’s event as a token of sincere appreciation for all those who fought shoulder to shoulder for freedom and justice.
Dear Friends,
It is no exaggeration to state that today the Armenian-Russian relations are those of sincere friendship and mutual respect. Our strategic partnership is in the main interest of our peoples – future development of Armenia and Russia, enhancement of security and stability in our region. The Armenian-Russian political and military as well as trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation will develop successfully and dynamically thanks to the positive signals that are received from our peoples and governments of our two countries.
We view the Armenian-Russian partnership as the most important and indispensable factor for the maintenance of stability and security in our region. We also realize that such a level of interaction supposes historic responsibility not only to our next generations but also to the peoples of the region and international community. Armenia has always been a reliable partner and ally. There will no discrepancies between our deeds and our works in the future as well.
The Armenian-Russian understanding has deep historical roots. Thanks to these roots, we are here today, at the Hill of Honor. Our driving force is not passing sentiments or the reminiscences of the past but the comprehension of our long-term national interests and their steadfast realization. They also allow us to respond adequately to the trying challenges of the contemporary world. With this comprehension we have signed today the Protocol on the prolonged presence of the Russian military base in Armenia and have expanded the area of its responsibilities.
The Hill of Honor is yet another symbol of friendship of the peoples of Armenia and Russia. I am confident that it will always be adorned with fresh flowers, bright as the history of our relations. Paying tribute to our heroes, we must urge our younger generation to live in peace and engage in creative work.
Be worthy of the memory of the martyrs, always.