In the Context of the Lachin Issue, It is More Appropriate to Implement the 'Hero of Our Time' Award: Prime Minister

In particular, in this context, where we have the issue of the Lachin corridor, it is more timely to hold the 'Hero of Our Time' award ceremony. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this during the opening of the award ceremony at the Yerevan Sports Concert Complex.

According to him, there is discussion and criticism about whether naming this award 'Hero of Our Time' serves a purpose or diminishes the real heroes who have devoted their lives to the homeland and those who stand on the front lines. He noted that there should be an unequivocal negative answer to this question.

“The heroism of the soldier and the frontline does not reach its logical outcome without the heroism of the rear. The soldier is strong with the rear. The resources that are spent for security are generated primarily in the economy. This year, for the first time, the military has received a 13th salary at a 100% rate, which is thanks to taxpayers, to those who, despite all crises, continue to work because the institutional establishment of the country and the operation of the army, security, and police are ensured by the creation of added value,” said the Prime Minister.

He also noted that the last award ceremony was held in September 2020, before the war, and that every time since then, it has been postponed for one reason or another. Now they have decided to bring it to life because, according to Pashinyan, this way they “register their determination and will to strengthen the Republic of Armenia as a state.”

On this day, according to the Prime Minister, it is about those who have not achieved great accomplishments in the economic sector but have decided to take responsibility along the way of laying stone upon stone in the country and join the great army of taxpayers who enrich the state budget. And it is through the state budget that it is predetermined under what conditions our soldier serves, what weapons they have, and what food they eat.

“Glory to the soldier who not only keeps the Republic of Armenia with his personal feat but also will have such a strong rear that heroism will not be the monopoly of the soldier alone. Our times will become heroic times if each of us does not shy away from carrying our share of heroism,” said Pashinyan.

He recalled that in 2022, 164 billion drams were allocated to Artsakh, and by tomorrow's government decision, this assistance will reach 168 billion drams.

It is noteworthy that today, 13 individuals will receive the award. It is worth mentioning that in 2020, as part of the events dedicated to the 29th anniversary of Armenia's independence, the main award of the 'Hero of Our Time' competition was awarded to Sevak Markosyan, the founder of the toy manufacturing company 'Markos toys,' at the Zvartnots Cathedral.