Monday, 29 December 2014
PM Invites Media Representatives for Festive Reception
On the occasion of New Year and Christmas, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan invited media representatives for a festive reception at the Government’s conference hall. Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister stated in part:
“Dear mass media representatives,
Dear friends,
I am glad to welcome you again, this time as head of government. I have always said and state over: we pursue a common cause, because we have a common goal and dream: to have a fair, developing and democratic State; build a prosperous and dignified society. I am sure that this is the credo of all those journalists fully dedicated to their mission.
Dear journalists,
The word is your tool. In my opinion, it is the most powerful and influential weapon. On one occasion, I said that the word can protect justice, freedom and human rights, but at the same time, an unreasoned and irresponsible word can make the greatest injustice. Yes, impartial information, the good and true word is the power of any professional media.
It is not up to me to say that public opinion can only be formed by means of truthful, fair and reasoned information, analysis and evaluation. The fourth power is one of the most important achievements of our newly independent country, and I am proud that today we have well-organized media, which do not strike at the back and speak only the language of facts.
Dear guests,
I respect and appreciate your work, the work of all those media who know the value of the word. The freedom of speech is an exceptional value, and strong is the State that has an impartial fourth power.
I attach great importance to and appreciate our joint work. I am sure it will continue in an atmosphere of mutual respect and mutual assistance. The famous classic used to say: “Impartial and reasoned criticism is correct blood circulation. Stagnation and mistakes are inevitable without impartial criticism.” I think nobody else could have put it better.
Dear journalists,
Reiterating my felicitations, I wish you journalistic courage to express and defend the truth. Let every word of ours contain love, hope and faith - Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.”
For active and fruitful cooperation with the Government, as well as for best coverage of Government’s activities, the Premier awarded mementoes - nominal watches - and Prime Minister’s Diplomas to a number of media representatives.
