16 28.01.14 - High-ranked officials of Armenia and Artsakh pay a visit to Yerablur memorial on state army's 22nd anniversary President: Armenian army will defend frontline 'as long as needed' January 28, 2014 - 17:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President Serzh Sargsyan, accompanied by the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic leader Bako Sahakyan, Armenia's high-ranking officials and spiritual leadership visited Yerablur Pantheon to honor the memory of slain Armenian soldiers. As the President stressed in his congratulatory message on the Army Day, the army became an accomplished state structure as Armenia gained independence. "Creation of an army was our foremost task, with army-building remaining of essential importance. Several days ago, our soldiers perished during a ceasefire violation, protecting their homeland at the cost of their lives. May 20 marks 20th anniversary of ceasefire. For 20 years, our army has been living in "neither peace, nor war," nevertheless honorably discharging its duty." The President commemorated those who lost their lives in protecting the borders of Armenia and Artsakh, stressing that Armenian army will be defending the frontline "as long as needed." The Armenian leader further granted state awards to soldiers stationed in Armenia as well as Artsakh to mark their outstanding service. The NKR President also congratulated Armenian army, characterizing it as "the most efficient and organized army in the region." As Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan told journalists at Yerablur, the situation at the border is under control, with every infringement prevented due to high morale and skillful strategy of Armenian soldiers. He further ruled out a possibility of a new war despite increased violations of ceasefire on Azeri side. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia clarifying reports on Baku’s alleged arms supply to Ukraine Russia says is carefully working to verify reports about alleged arms supplies from Azerbaijan to Ukraine |