We Have Paid an Incredibly High Price for Independence and Must Cherish It: Robert Kocharian

The second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian, has congratulated the citizens of Armenia on the occasion of Independence Day. This was reported by the office of the second president.

“Dear compatriots,

I congratulate you on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia. The road to independence was extremely difficult and filled with trials. It began with war, economic collapse, and an energy crisis, which caused great suffering for all our citizens. However, despite those challenges and in defiance of them, the foundations of our statehood were laid during those years.

We have paid an incredibly high price for independence, and we must cherish it. But it is impossible to maintain independence without a strong statehood. I had the honor of being the head of our state for 10 years and I am grateful to fate for the opportunity to serve my country. Many things were done during those years to strengthen the country’s security, develop the economy, and build the state. We have done everything possible to ensure that the perception of Armenian statehood becomes an inseparable part of our citizens’ national identity.

However, today the country faces the danger of recklessly destroying what has been built with blood and sweat over the years. The institutional foundations of the state are being dismantled by a ‘revolutionary’ frenzy, traditional national values are being destroyed, and intolerance and mutual hatred are being sowed.

I want to believe that the country will find the strength within itself to confront the impending danger; that society will honorably overcome this trial as well, becoming stronger and wiser, acquiring the crucial experience of distinguishing the black from the white, the liar from the truthful, and shameless populism from responsible politics.

Dear compatriots, once again I congratulate you on the occasion of Independence Day, wishing you prosperity, solidarity, and peaceful skies.

Robert Kocharian
September 21, 2019