Let's Reject Lies and Deceit, and Look at the Truth: Armen Sarkissian Meets with Intellectuals

The President of the Republic, Armen Sarkissian, met on the evening of December 15 with a group of intellectuals representing the fields of science, education, and culture. The participants included Director of the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences Ashot Melkonyan, Director of the M. Abeghyan Literature Institute Vardan Devrikyan, Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Sociology, and Law Gevorg Poghosyan, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies of Yerevan State University Ruben Melkonyan, Director and Chief Editor of the Armenian Encyclopedia Publishing House Hovhannes Ayvazyan, Director of the Yeghishe Charents Museum of Literature and Art Karo Vardanyan, Director of the National Library of Armenia Anna Chulyan, Founder and Head of the 'Hover' State Choir Sona Hovhannisyan, Head of the Ensemble of Folk Instruments named after G. Gurdjieff Leon Eskendyan, and historian and archivist Amatuni Virabyan.

The participants presented their opinions and viewpoints on the current situation in the country and discussed ways to resolve the ongoing crisis. Speaking about the painful losses during the war, the lack of trust, and the existing crisis, the intellectuals emphasized that as a people and a state, we have no choice but to overcome the situation together with unified efforts. To move forward, it is essential first to soberly and accurately analyze and assess the situation, inventory the challenges, accept the existing realities, and think critically about effective pathways out of the crisis.

President Sarkissian particularly stressed the importance of systemic solutions, stating: 'We must abandon presenting the desirable as reality, reject lies and deceit, look at the truth, learn lessons from today's mistakes, and move forward with effective steps.' He also pointed out the need for a vision for development, a strategy, and a program for all sectors: 'We have a long way to go, and we must build our state institutions with consistent daily work and discipline, reinforcing our statehood.'

The meeting's participants noted that the role of the presidential institution and the President of the Republic is crucial and decisive in overcoming the current situation.