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Armenia President, Cyprus parliament speaker discuss bilateral relations

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YEREVAN. – The President of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, on Monday received President Demetris Syllouris of the House of Representatives (parliament) of Cyprus.

First, Sarkissian noted that the best result of the historical friendship between the two peoples is the existing full mutual understanding and mutual assistance between Armenia and Cyprus, press office of the President informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Syllouris, for his part, stated that the two peoples always based themselves on universal values and principles and that it is also thanks to this that  they have managed to withstand all ordeals.

The interlocutors shared the view that Armenian-Cypriot relations have great potential for development.

Also, President Sarkissian expressed gratitude to the Cypriot authorities and the people for being one of the first to recognize Armenian Genocide and providing asylum to many Armenians who survived this tragedy.

In addition, they underscored the need for the European Union (EU) member countries’ ratification and subsequent implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement which Armenia has signed with the EU.

Separately, speaker Syllouris expressed Cyprus’ support to the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) peace talks. President Sarkissian, in turn, lauded the respective constructive and balanced position of Cyprus.

 

Armenia President on Karabakh Movement 30th anniversary:

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Armenia President on Karabakh Movement 30th anniversary:

We can do much more, and yet we will think it insufficient

The President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, on Tuesday issued an address on the occasion of Artsakh Revival Day and Karabakh Movement 30th anniversary.

“Dear Compatriots,

“On 20 February 1988, the Nagorno-Karabakh Regional Council met in an extraordinary session to adopt a resolution expressing the Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] people’s will for free self-determination. Three decades ago, Armenians all over the world joined the fair demand and struggle of Artsakh.

“Today, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of that historic turning point, which the Artsakh Republic has rightfully proclaimed as the Artsakh Revival Day. Moreover, it became the day of revival of the Armenian people. Monte was right to insist that if we were to lose Artsakh, we would have turned the last page of Armenia’s history. February 20, 1988 was the moment of unity, determination and national awakening of the Armenian people.

“Azerbaijan responded to our people’s peaceful and legitimate demarche by massacres in Sumgait and other places. In those days it became clear that people in Artsakh were doomed to physical extermination or victory.

“We were forced to wage war. Those who unleashed the war were convinced that they had a great advantage, and the Karabakh issue would be resolved swiftly and permanently by exterminating the Armenians and depopulating Artsakh. From the distance of three decades we can confidently state that the Karabakh movement saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

“Strong with the backing of the whole Armenian nation, the Armenians of Artsakh managed to cope with that severe trial with honor. Today, those who are calling us enemy, accuse us in everything, but the only fault of the people of Artsakh is that they did not lose and were not exterminated in that war.

“Dear Compatriots,

“The Karabakh movement was supposed to be transformed at a certain stage. With the proclamation of statehood, the movement did not shrink, but became a State policy. The pan-national outburst and awakening was crowned by the reinstatement of our two Armenian States.

“We can hear the same threats as 30 years ago as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Karabakh movement. The anti-Armenian propaganda has continued for 30 years now. It seems that nothing has changed. But we did. The free Artsakh, which shook off the Azeri yoke 30 years ago, is developing at a progressive pace both economically, politically, or culturally.

“In our public consciousness there may be a justified perception that what is done is not enough. Therefore, we must constantly mark up the bar of our requirements and expectations. As a nation and a State, we still have a lot to do. There is a great deal of work to be done in all fields, but what we have done together over the past 30 years

sometimes in most difficult circumstances, is actually quite enough. Obviously, this is probably the most important thirty-year in Armenia’s history of the past few centuries. We can do much more, and yet we will think it insufficient.

“Subjugation does not have an excuse, while freedom has no alternative. We are building modern and democratic statehoods in the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh. We fully respect the fundamental human rights, since freedom and dignity are absolute values for the Armenian people.

“Long live the Republic of Armenia!

“Long live the Republic of Artsakh which emerged as a result of the Karabakh Movement!

“Long live the pioneers of the Karabakh movement!” reads the address by the President of Armenia.

 

Armenia president reminds Azerbaijani delegate of Yerevan’s age

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Yerevan, the 2800th anniversary

YEREVAN. – The Karabakh issue can be resolved only when Azerbaijan gets down to reality, abandons its unrealistic expectations from the talks’ outcome, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said in response to Azerbaijani delegation during the Munich Security Conference panel .

The question of the first secretary of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany was so long that he was interrupted by a moderator.

“I want to ask you a question from the outset; my question is a bit rhetorical: How do you think to settle the Karabakh issue if your country’s president makes territorial claims against Yerevan, the 2800th anniversary of which we will be celebrating this October?

The Karabakh issue can be resolved and, though I have some doubts about it, you can return to Karabakh or the surrounding regions only when your country’s government gets down to reality, abandons its unrealistic expectations from the talks’ outcome.

You want to live freely; you want to live in Karabakh. Believe me that the people of Karabakh, too, want to live in freedom on their historic homeland where they have a millennia-old legacy, and they do not want you to destroy that heritage,” President Sargsyan said.

President said it is well known why some regions of Azerbaijan came under the control of Nagorno-Karabakh’s self-defense forces.

“You know that the Karabakhi people just held a referendum in a civilized manner and appealed to the USSR Supreme Soviet to hand over the autonomous region of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan to Armenia in the manner prescribed by the then applicable law of the Soviet Union.

Instead, the Azerbaijani authorities tried to squeeze Karabakh people’s legitimate demands and wishes. By the way, I must say that at that time all European structures had a very positive attitude as they stated: “Yes, Nagorno-Karabakh has the right to self-determination. Unfortunately, honey is not served out in war. I hate the war. But it turned out that we had to create a security zone to protect ourselves,” Sargsyan emphasized.

“Once again, I would like reiterate from this reputable podium that we are prepared for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue should you show good sense – I do not mean the people of Azerbaijan, I mean the leadership of Azerbaijan – and actually proceed to negotiations realizing that the problem can only be resolved through compromises. I do not want to take time off; I just want to say that it is time to sober up.

Yerevan has 2800 years of history; the Armenians have been living in their historic homeland for over 5,000 years now, and Azerbaijanis or other peoples can not break the will of the Armenian people. Thank you for your questionnaire.”

 

Armenia President visits Old North Church and Armenian Heritage Park in Massachusetts

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16516President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit to the U.S., is continuing his meetings in Massachusetts. The President is scheduled to meet with the Armenian organizations which have significant role and influence in the state, as well as representatives of the Armenian community and state authorities known for their pro-Armenian activity and other friends of Armenian people.

The President today visited the Old North Church in Boston, where a Holy Liturgy was served by the church pastor Rev. Stephen T. Ayres and Armenian clergymen.

Back in the 18th century, this very church gave an opportunity to the Armenians refugees to the U.S. to serve a liturgy within its building. The church built in the northern part of Boston in 1723 is considered the oldest church building of the city.

By his visit to the Old North Church which had a significant influence on the American Revolution, the Armenian President aimed to pay tribute to one of the symbols of the U.S. independence and appreciate the kind treatment of this church and, generally, the Anglican Church towards the Armenians.

Thereafter Sargsyan visited the Armenian Heritage Park, which was founded in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and other genocides following it. The park also aims to honor the great contributions of the American-Armenians and other migrant communities.

The Armenian President toured the Armenian Heritage Park. He also visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, where he laid a wreath and paid tribute to the Armenian Genocide victims. During his tour, Sargsyan was accompanied by Massachusetts ex-Governor Deval Patrick, who greatly contributed to the opening of the park, Boston Municipality representatives, Coordinator of the Armenian Genocide Centennial events James Kalustian, member of the executive committee of “Armenian Heritage”Foundation which implemented the construction of the park, Sheriff of Middlesex County Peter Koutoujian, as well as other representatives of the Armenian community.

By the end of the tour, the Armenian President also paid tribute by the Holocaust memorial.

President Sargsyan will have a number of other meetings today.

 

Armenia President condoles with Belgium PM

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armeian belgumYEREVAN. – The President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, on Tuesday sent condolences to  Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium.

Sargsyan extended his commiseration in connection with Tuesday’s blasts that occurred at the Brussels international airport and subway, and which claimed dozens of innocent lives.

“At this difficult time I express my condolences and support to you, the people of friendly Belgium and relatives of the dead, wishing fortitude and patience,” the President’s message reads. “Armenia strongly condemns any act of terrorism, and it is committed to contribute to the international fight against this evil.”

Thirteen people were killed and 35 others were injured in two explosions that occurred Tuesday morning at Brussels Zaventem airport. The Belgian prosecutor’s office confirmed that a suicide bomber had carried out this attack.

There were two more explosions in the Schuman and Maalbeek stations of the subway system of the Belgian capital city. At present, 15 people are reported dead and 55 others injured in these blasts.

Cyprus: Armenia President unveils Cross Stone, visits Nareg School

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Serzh_Sargsyan_-_Cyprus_-_ArmeniaCyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan unveiled a Cross Stone, a gift of the people of Armenia to the people of Cyprus, as a symbol of their friendship, on Wednesday.
The unveiling ceremony took place outside the premises of the Protocol Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sargsyan held a meeting with Archbishop of the  Church of Cyprus Chrysostomos II.
The Armenia President signed the book of visitors at the Archbishopric, in which he stressed the friendly relations between both Cyprus and Armenia.
He added that against all odds, Cyprus and Armenia must intensify their bilateral cooperation and join forces so that their struggle is vindicated.
Anastasiades recalled that Cyprus was one of the first European countries which recognised the Armenian genocide, noting that “we jointly denounce the perpetrators of this crime.”
He underlined that “our countries, our peoples, place faith on international law and respect the peoples` sovereign right to decide their future and to function with respect to human rights.”
Moreover, Anastasiades highlighted the active and important role of the Armenian refugees` ancestors, living on the island, in Cypriot society.
Addressing the ceremony, both Presidents underlined the long-standing historic and friendly ties between the peoples of both countries.
Anastasiades said at the cross stone’s unveiling that both countries have been “victims of the same aggressiveness” and have fought for the prevalence of the principles of law in the international arena.
CdrAqAcVAAAxAimSpeaking through an interpreter, Sargsyan added that this Cross Stone will represent a reminder to Armenia and Armenian people living in Cyprus as proof of long-lasting Armenian-Cypriot friendship.
“It will give the message that any destruction of cultural monuments constitutes a crime against humanity,” added Sargsyan. “It will remind civilised humanity that it must struggle so that unique historic items of civilisation must not be threatened by violence.”
Moreover, the Armenia President stressed the importance of the Cross Stone to Armenia’s history and long-standing cultural heritage, adding that it is included among UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
On Wednesday Sargsyan also visited the Nareg School in Nicosia and the Armenian Genocide Monument.
Sargsyan was accompanied by Cyprus’ Education and Culture Minister Costas Kadis, Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots Photis Photiou, and Nareg School Director Vera Tahmajian.
The Armenian President attended a ceremony organised by students at the school with traditional Armenian songs, dances and poems.
At the opening of the event, Tahmajian welcomed Sargsyan to the school, saying that his presence, as well as that of the government officials, demonstrates their support to the school and cultural heritage.
Source: http://www.sigmalive.com/en/news/politics/142894/armenia-president-unveils-cross-stone-visits-nareg-school

Armenia President convenes National Security Council session

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14390YEREVAN. – Armenia’s National Security Council (NSC) session presided by the President of Armenia and NSC, took place today. The results of the Shant-2015 military exercises held from September 3 to 6, specifically the work carried out in the direction of achieving the main objectives provided by the exercise’s scenario, achievements recorded, the gaps, coordination of activities and activity efficiency, etc. were discussed in detail.

Following the reports by the head of the military exercise headquarters and his deputies, Sargsyan gave corresponding instructions.

Prior to this, President Serzh Sargsyan made an introductory speech, in which he specifically mentioned that the aforementioned military exercises aimed at continuing the work carried out by the Armenian state authorities in order to resist the possible aggression of the adversary.

“We held similar military exercises of smaller volume in 2008 and 2013. But this time the exercises were held in full volume, definitely being unprecedented,” he said.

Sargsyan also noted that there is a regulation which establishes periodicity for holding each type of military exercise, and “we must all adhere to that periodicity.”

According to the president, each military exercise has at least three main goals: to check, improve and gain experience. “Each military exercise also definitely has special purposes, and according to the preliminary conclusions, Shant-2015 command and staff military exercises were held in an organized manner and achieved their goals,” he said.