Saturday, 20 October 2007
RA Prime Minister Serzha Sargsyan's visit to the United States of America continues. On the morning of October 19, 2007, the Prime Minister met with the members of the editorial board of "Los Angeles Times" newspaper. During the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, Serzh Sargsyan gave an extended interview to this authoritative newspaper by answering a broad range of questions sent by readership. The questions addressed to the Prime Minister covered most various spheres, among which -the visit of head of the RA government to the USA, the international recognition of the Genocide of Armenians and the process of settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Serzh Sargsyan detailed the activity of the Government of Armenia, the forthcoming programs and the challenges faced. There were also questions associated with the latest parliamentary elections, which have received a high estimation from various missions of observers, as well as with the upcoming presidential elections. Serzh Sargsyan emphasized that following the parliamentary elections, it is necessary to make everything in order that any future election, based on the experience of past elections, as well as by eliminating the existing shortcomings, would not be assessed otherwise than positively. The head of the government of Armenia also spoke about such painful issues as corruption and the anti-corruption program.
Emphasizing the importance of calling at Los Angeles within the framework of the given visit, Serzh Sargsyan noted, in particular, that in the capacity of RA Minister of Defense, he had paid several working visits to the USA, which only featured meetings in Washington, based on the program of official meetings. According to the Prime Minister of Armenia, while this is quite natural for a defense minister, but the Prime minister of Armenia cannot visit the United States without calling at the State of California, which has a large and influential Armenian community. In this context, he noted the importance of the meetings had with the representatives of the Armenian community of Los Angeles.
On October 19, 2007, the RA Prime Minister met with the management of Linsy Foundation In Los Angeles. During the talks, Kirk Kirkorian briefed the Prime Minister on his intention to visit Armenia in the near future.
In the same evening, Serzh Sargsyan took part in a reception hosted by the Armenian organizations based in Los Angeles and the key figures of the Armenian community, attended by over 200 personalities. During the reception, the Prime Minister addressed the representatives of the Armenian community to outline the actions carried out on the way to building a powerful and prosperous state. He pointed out the existing challenges, the ways to overcoming them and increasing the efficiency of Armenia-Diaspora cooperation. He further spoke about the process of the international recognition of the Genocide of Armenians and some other issues.
The Prime Minister has stated in his remarks:
"Dear Compatriots, Ladies and Gentlemen:
This is my first visit to the United States of America as Prime-Minister. Whatever country in the world I visit regardless of the aim of my visit, regardless of my status, and vital national issues, my eyes look for an Armenian and my ears seek out an Armenian word. That the Prime Minister of a country meets with its fellow compatriots thousands miles away is one of the features of our people's fate. The earth, of course, is home of all people and every human being can live wherever he or she desires. But, it is a different case for us -Armenians: the sooner we get rid of this pain, the better it will be for both us and others. This is a reason why we are eagerly waiting for the Armenian Genocide recognition. Taking this opportunity, I commend the Foreign Affairs Committee of US House of Representatives for their decision and all those who have contributed thereto. I hope that the recognition of historical truth in other countries will drive Turkey to a more realistic vision of things.
Throughout the centuries, the Armenian people have fought and created. During historical events - for instance, the adoption of Christianity - we have shown ourselves as precursors. Thanks God, our efforts have not ended up in vain. At the end of the 20th century, armed with our ancestor's aspirations and wisdom, we managed to escape from that endless nightmare - unfortunately again at the price of blood, but, fortunately, with a victory. The price of the victory was huge, and its outcome - the statehood - was immense as well. And, today I say with passion that I am one of the statehood bearers, and we all together are shaping this statehood. The rewards of the victory are not property of some people regardless of being close or far from the crossroads of those events. This victory was cherished by Mesrop Mahstots, Yeghisheh, this war -the last of our battles -was led by Vardan Mamikonyan and Zoravar Andranik. In this liberation war Nikol Douman and Gevorg Chaush stood by Monte Melkonyan. This is our ethnic characteristic, and the joy of this victory was equally enjoyed by Armenian businessman and physician, teacher and lawyer residing in different parts of the world. After all, this victory is just a beginning: we have to succeed in celebrating an even greater victory and it is a responsibility of all of us to take share in it. If we fail to avail ourselves of this opportunity, then we will have what we used to have: victories hidden in the labyrinth of the book of our history, regrets at losses and hunting for ones to blame.
In the process of building powerful nationhood we have to overcome many difficulties, and, first of all, historically driven stereotype that "Armenia is a small country"and "Armenians are small nation". The complexity of being "small" obstructs our progress. This is not a call to overestimate our potential and become conceited. I mean we should be free of any complexes in our deeds. We have a say in this world as we have cultural assets to expose to the world. It is crucial for us to be able to work harder and help ourselves (in the best sense of the word).
Dear compatriots, from the far away you closely watch the life of the Republic of Armenia: you thrill, worry, encourage and complain by seeking ways to make your contribution into that life and this is nice. But I want you to love Armenia in all its details. I wish you had thorough knowledge of Armenia's realities through awareness of both its assets and weaknesses as they are yours as well.
Dear friends, in my speech I intentionally bypass the word "Patriotism". I have always felt uncomfortable using that word. In trenches the patriotism has never been used loudly, it had a red color. We are all Armenians and we are all patriots. The question is to what extent we can make a sensible use of our potentialities.
I am fully convinced that the United States of America became a homeland for Americans as a result of mutual love and commitment between citizens and the state. Our patriotism implies warmth, a lot of sunshine, everything, but it lacks in recognizing the notion of statehood and I am sure: when the State flag of the Republic of Armenia brings as much joy and glory as the symbol of Ararat does to every single Armenian, we will be able to definitely state "We have found the shortest way to Motherland."
Armenia is quite different as seen with or without the Diaspora. We are proud of you, we feel stronger with you and we have to build the prosperous Armenia together.
Thank you for this honorific gathering. Thank you for warm welcome and long live Armenia!"
On October 20, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan will leave for Washington where he will continue his contacts under the visit program trough to October 23.
