We Need to Redefine the Concepts of Victory and Peace: Armen Sarkissian

President Armen Sarkissian has sent a message on the occasion of Victory and Peace Day, stating that we must prevail. According to him, the guarantee of this victory lies in our unity and will, our determination and organization, our goal-orientedness and discipline.

“Dear compatriots, today is the day of Victory and Peace. Let us remember all those who fought with confidence in victory and unwavering determination against defeat. Let us remember all those who fell for the sake of victory and peace. Let us bow before their memory and deeds.

They won 30 years ago by liberating Shushi. They won more than 75 years ago by capturing Berlin. All of them were convinced that freedom and victory are never given as gifts; they are achieved through will and effort, often at the cost of life and health.

The Armenian people heroically participated in the fight against fascism alongside the Soviet Union and other nations of Europe during the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War. By the end of the 20th century, our people once again faced the fact of planned anti-Armenianism and were compelled to fight against Azerbaijani aggression. In the 21st century, we again confronted hatred and the threat of ethnic cleansing in the face of the Azerbaijani-Turkish united war against Artsakh.

On this day, marking another anniversary of the global victory over fascism, the world is faced with new challenges. We need to redefine the concepts of victory and peace, recognizing their high value and significance. Our ancestors sacrificed their lives for these ideas during the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War. I bow before their memory and send my best wishes to our veterans, who are living textbooks of life and work.

Generations of modern-day heroes also sacrificed for these ideals in the first Artsakh war. May light shine upon their graves. Today’s heroes in Artsakh dedicated their lives for these principles. I pray for the peace of their souls, I pay my respects to their memories, and I express my words of gratitude and comfort to their families and loved ones.

I pray for the recovery of our wounded soldiers, for the swift return of prisoners, and for the rapid discovery of the missing – committing my efforts and possibilities to this cause. I wish health and safe service to our soldiers and volunteers who guard our borders, protect our peace, and ensure our security.

Dear compatriots, this year marks the 30th anniversary of Armenia's declaration of independence. The achievement of independence was also a victory of freedom and will. Today, from today's distance, it reminds us that any achievement, especially victory, must be developed into a strong state and organized society, dignified peace, and sustainable progress.

We must prevail. The guarantee of this victory lies in our unity and will, our determination and organization, our goal-orientedness and discipline. Let us live and work in a way that we are worthy of victory. Glory to the heroes of Victory. Long live Armenia and Artsakh. Long live our people,”

the message reads.