PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVED DELEGATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENERAL ATHLETIC UNION
president.am
Aug 6 2009
Armenia
Today, President Serzh Sargsyan received delegation of the Armenian
General Athletic Union, which has arrived to Armenia to participate
in the HOMENETMEN games which are conducted in Armenia for the first
time and run August 1-8.
Welcoming the participants of the competition, the President of
Armenia mentioned the importance of the fact that regular games of the
Armenian General Athletic Union this year, for the first time in the
organization’s history, are being conducted in Armenia. "It looks like
Armenia is hosting more and more all-Armenian events each year. And
this is one of the best ways to strengthen the Armenia-Diaspora
relations, hold up the preservation of the Armenian identity, and
achieve one of our most cherished goals – our unity," the President
of Armenia noted.
Serzh Sargsyan said that Armenia would always support Armenian
organizations abroad. "Capacities of the Republic of Armenia will be
constantly growing and in parallel with that we will be working to
increase our participation, because we are confident that Diaspora is
Armenia’s strength, and Armenia is Diaspora’s strength. Together with
Diaspora Armenia is a nation of ten millions, which has resources,
great possibilities and desire to create a small but very attractive
and developed country," the President of Armenia said.
The President noted with satisfaction that this year differs from the
others both in scope of activities and their level. "A few days ago,
I met with the young people who arrived to Armenia in the framework
of Come Home program. Just in a couple of days we will be hosting
All-Armenian football and basketball championships which will attract
almost 700 participants. Today, I am meeting with you to discuss the
process of preparing for HOMENETMEN games, which will be attended,
as you already know, by 450 athletes from four continents and many
of our compatriots," noted the President of Armenia.
Serzh Sargsyan also said that the very fact that the participants
of the games are young people is very inspiring, for they can use
this time to explore their motherland, make friends with their
contemporaries and do some networking. "I wish you all success, to
all the participants of the games. On the occasions such as this one,
I like to say that it is not the athletic results that are important
but the fact that thousands of people have come to Armenia, many of
which haven’t been here before and that this is a splendid opportunity
to feel the power of our motherland, to see the wholesome land that
has been nourishing and maintaining our people for millennia. It is,
in my opinion, is more important than any athletic achievement. That
revelation can become the drive for the preservation of the Armenian
identity which every one of our compatriots should be able to receive
in Armenia," the President of Armenia stressed.
Noting, that for centuries Armenia has been the center place
which harbors all-Armenian dreams, the President of Armenia said,
"And it should be, since Armenia is the key to mysterious Armenian
identity. There is no alternative. Unanimity and unity during
calamities and aftermath may disappear in time. I have stated on
a number of occasions that the time has come for Armenia-centered
Diaspora.
The Armenian nation has its own independent state which will
become the beacon to guide us toward future. I am confident that in
organization of all-Armenian events, resolution for Diaspora problems
and, preservation and development of the Armenian type in general,
the role of state, its participation, and leadership will be growing
with every year."
Afterwards, the President of Armenia expressed readiness to listen
to those present and discuss issues raised by them.
President Sargsyan spoke about the current stage of the Nagorno
Karabakh peace process, as well as about the process of normalization
of the Armenian-Turkish relations.
Serzh Sargsyan said that in the negotiations the Armenian side
continues to adhere to three main principles for the resolution of
the conflict: NK status, land link to Armenia, and strict guarantees
of security for the people of Karabakh.
According to the President of Armenia, any negotiated proposal for the
resolution will be presented to the political forces and the public
at large for a comprehensive discussion and the final decision will
be made accordingly.
Responding to the question regarding the Armenian-Turkish relations,
Serzh Sargsyan reiterated that the relations must be established
without preconditions.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
