Armenian President: Parliament had a unique role in the country’s development

 September 19, 2011 - 18:56 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Solemn reception, dedicated to Armenia’s independence 20th anniversary was held in the National Assembly.

The reception was attended by Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, Head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan, deputies of various convocations.

“I congratulate all of us on this wonderful day, Armenia’s independence 20th anniversary. We have gathered to mark the most cherished achievement, the birthday of our independent Motherland,” Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan said in the opening. The President compared this celebration to a young man’s 20th jubilee, which marks his successes and achievements, as well as failures and mistakes. Among mistakes the President noted the fact that so far they have failed to provide Armenian people with problem-free and deserved life, that we have not refrained from “literally going against each other, and there are vacant seats even on the anniversary day.”

The President also noted that during the years of independence the parliament has had a unique role in the development of the Armenian state. He also thanked the deputies of all the convocations for their efforts.

During the event a number of deputies of the acting parliament were awarded Mkhitar Gosh medals by President’s decree. Serzh Sargsyan noted that they intended to also award deputies of previous convocations. However, with that being a huge number, they decided with the NA Speaker to award only the acting ones. Here he expressed confidence that there will still be a good occasion to award the deputies of previous convocations.