Serzh Sargsyan: we turned the wheel of history 20 years ago

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan issued a congratulatory address on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the formation of the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia.

“After losing independent statehood, the Armenian nation gave birth to many warriors, but was not blessed with having its own army. The Armenian soldiers, officers and generals brought glory to different countries through their personal valor and dedication, but our nation’s sons were deprived of the opportunity to defend the interests of the Motherland and rights of the fellow citizens,” the President said.

“Twenty years ago, we turned the wheel of history. It that critical time, our nation reinstated its independent statehood and took total responsibility for the protection of its rights and national interests. At the moment of that historic rise, the creation of the Armenian army was one of the most momentous achievements.”

He went on to say: “There was an imperative to thwart the imminent danger of a genocide looming over the Armenian people and, particularly, over the Armenians of Artsakh. That vital episode of the army creation was necessitated by the time itself.

“Our cause was just, and we were ready for confrontation. We knew that we alone could protect our right to live. However, we also fully realized that that right and justice were our strength and resolve.

“Volunteers, who rose against intolerance, hostility and blind hatred, became the core of the Armenian regular army. At the moment of national awakening, many of those volunteers sacrificed their lives on the altar of the Motherland’s defense and security. Eternal glory to them, reverence and admiration to their memory.

“It’s hard to tell in a couple of words everything that has been done in twenty years. The military parade dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the reinstated Armenian independence and the ceasefire, which has been preserved since 1994, are the most precise report and test held before the people of Armenia and the entire Armenian nation.”

“The armed forced of the Republic of Armenia are among the most important guarantees of the preservation of the balance, hence of the peace and security in our region. Today, our troops guard Armenia’s peace and tranquility; at the same time they are engaged in the international peace-keeping missions, where they have manifested their best qualities and multiplied their reputation of the disciplined and brave soldiers,” President Sargsyan concluded.