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Statement By President Serzh Sargsyan At The 12th Convention Of The

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  • Statement By President Serzh Sargsyan At The 12th Convention Of The

    STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN AT THE 12TH CONVENTION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARMENIA

    president.am
    Nov 30 2009
    Armenia

    Dear Party members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

    It was exactly two years ago when speaking at the 11th Convention
    of the Republican Party, I acknowledged the most serious challenges
    and problems which the world was infused with at that time, and the
    measures that in my opinion our country had to take to meet those
    challenges to make Armenia a modern, democratic, and competitive state.

    These challenges and problems are well known to all, and many of them
    have not lost their intensity even today. However, the last two years
    witnessed changes, which in addition to the already existing ones
    brought about new problems.

    Certainly, first of all I mean the severe global economic and financial
    crisis. Not a single country was able to avoid the negative impact of
    the crisis. In our country, the economic decline reached 18 per cent,
    something that had not be anticipated in any of our programs. However,
    even in those circumstances we have been able to evade similar negative
    developments in the social area. Our citizens felt the impact of the
    crisis on their lives in a lesser degree than could have been expected
    judging from the macroeconomic indices.

    Salutations to all our entrepreneurs, major companies which accepted
    our appeal and cooperated with the government, acting sometimes
    contrary to the instincts of the classical business. Together we have
    been able to steer clear of much more undesirable developments. Today,
    we entered the stage when negative developments are slowly but
    steadfastly are being reversed. We must be able not only expeditiously
    overcome the consequences of the crisis but emerge with a new,
    qualitatively different economic reality and structure.

    Events of August 2008 in South Ossetia also had a significant impact on
    Armenia, as well as on the countries of our region. The war revealed
    the vulnerability and fragility of peace and stability in the region;
    moreover, it made even more apparent the necessity to settle the
    existing conflicts.

    Among our internal problems I cannot but mention the events that
    followed the presidential elections. Those were unacceptable and
    extremely dangerous developments.

    The most terrible thing, however, was the divide that appeared within
    our nation. Those were difficult times for all of us. Today, we can
    say that together we were able not to deepen that divide further,
    and halted at the chasm's edge.

    We can be content with that, but we cannot relax and pretend that
    everything is fine, by no means. What is ahead demands the utmost
    flexibility, skills, knowledge and will power, because our most
    important task is to unify the society, make it one united force
    as tight as a fist, and to shape a culture of dialogue, tolerance,
    and ability to listen.

    The events that followed the presidential elections exposed the
    intrinsic weakness and immaturity of the state, political, and social
    institutions established during the years of independence.

    The immaturity of the electoral system, political parties, institutions
    of civil society, mass media, of the freedom of assembly and other
    liberties, which allow the rise of evil and intolerance, result in
    social and political predicaments. Had the social institutions been
    more developed, had the political forces been more responsible, had
    the law enforcement bodies been more professional and well-equipped,
    it would be possible to thwart those events and emerge with dignity
    from the vortex of unleashed provocations.

    I am confident that this is the greatest lesson learned from those
    events and the main challenge in our internal life. Thus, it becomes
    clear that efficient steps aimed at the further development and
    completion of all state, political, economic, and social institutions
    are essential.

    There is no doubt in my mind that the Republican Party of Armenia
    in the coming years can and must assume the role of the promoter of
    political, social, and economic progress.

    Past achievements, political experience, human resources and
    professional potential of the PPA proved that this Party is the
    leading political force in our country and that that status should
    be preserved in the near future.

    Together with the coalition partners, the Republican Party of Armenia
    has assumed responsibility to serve our people and our country.

    Considering all the complex processes that are going on in the world
    and, particularly, in our region we can state that it is historic
    responsibility.

    We have assumed responsibilities to serve our people willingly. Until
    now, we have not made a single step that would disagree with our
    promises or programs. We have been implementing them step-by-step in
    both foreign and internal policies. Of course, not everything goes
    smoothly, but we have never been so naïve as to believe that it
    is easy to do good and big things. There are objective difficulties
    and inner resistance or inertia, however there are also subjective
    factors. But we have displayed political will and persistence in
    concluding the initiated programs with success. This will continue
    to be our work mode.

    I would like to mention with satisfaction that the PPA has been
    persistent also in its further evolution. The process of reassessment
    within the party continues, the party is constantly purifying and
    strengthening. Regional, territorial and grassroots organizations
    are multiplying and developing, the number of horizontal counseling
    bodies, such as program oriented councils and those engaged in
    professional partisan works, grow. We are a political force that is
    far from changing its opinion or position every week, which is not an
    uncommon fashion. Our "yes" means "yes", and "no" means "no". We are
    a predictable and dependable force, which our partners and supporters
    can rely on and build projects with. Everyone should know that hopes
    and programs related to the Republican Party can be both short-term,
    as well as long-term and strategic. The entire history of the Party,
    since its inception until now, provides all necessary proof. We are
    steadfast in achieving our goals, but we are also able to listen and
    reckon with the proposals and criticism. We are steadfast but also
    flexible. Flexibility and alertness in our complicated times and in
    our complicated region are truly important. Today, we conduct our
    activities as a party of the 21st century. Today, there are almost no
    issues that would be interesting only for us. All significant issues
    we are concerned with positioned within the context of global concern.

    It is necessary to know well that context. A stroke of brush is
    precise only in the context of the entire picture. In this area not
    only the Republican Party but also our society as a whole has things
    to do. Only a modern society can shape a modern party, and vice versa -
    a modern party can facilitate modernization of the society.

    Dear members of the Party,

    It is true that in the last two year we have witnessed vigorous
    geopolitical changes, economic relapse, and upheavals in social life.

    And today we have reached a point when

    Armenia is not a helpless boat that rocks on the waves of global
    tempest, but makes her own dignified way forward,

    Political processes have mostly returned to political realm where
    they belong,

    The unprecedented decline brought about by the global economic and
    financial crisis that shook the world is subsiding.

    I state it, certainly, with satisfaction; this is the outcome of hard
    and principled work.

    However, it's not the situation we wanted to be in. Of course not. We
    have only been able to shape the environment conducive to and necessary
    for the implementation of the announced objectives, we have been able
    to resist strong negative impulses and developments, and we have
    been able to make the most important first steps toward reaching
    these objectives. And today we have all necessary prerequisites
    to concentrate only on the objectives of growth. Today, we have
    all necessary prerequisites for action, for making change and being
    changed, always keeping in mind that every successive day Armenia must
    become a better place than she was yesterday. The time has come to
    freely change and unavoidably be changed. The place of the Republican
    Party in Armenia's life, its role and the example it presents are
    really significant. And the changes, which we will register within
    the party, will be easily adopted and accepted throughout our society.

    It's a fact. Thus, as the ruling party, the Republican Party is
    obligated to view its partisan changes in a larger context, attaching
    to them the utmost importance.

    Today, the Republican Party is a serious and maturing political force,
    which shapes and spreads traditions. With this regard the development
    of democratic institutions within the Party is and will continue to
    be an important factor for the development of democracy in the country.

    It is obvious, that the more democratic principles are involved in
    the decision making within the Party, the sooner the society will
    follow suit of the ruling party.

    The Republican Party is not the party of the leader. The Party is
    not Serzh Sargsyan, Serzh Sargsyan is just a Republican. I can state
    with confidence that this is an important impulse for the country's
    development. This is an important signal for today's as well as
    tomorrow's leaders, for comprehending one's role within the ruling
    elite. Even if today it is not acknowledged as such, tomorrow it
    inevitably will be.

    It is said that if you want to change something, start with yourself.

    The Republican Party should change from just a political leader to
    a social and political leader. To forge country forward and up, the
    leading force should be exemplary. If the first generation of the
    Republicans faced the task of preventing other political movements
    from diverging the Party's values and changing the country's course
    of development, the current generation of the Republicans faces other
    challenges - to eliminate inconsistency that is sometimes present
    between the words and the deeds. Hence, the Party should become
    the model of the Armenia we want to build. The reputation of such a
    party is unquestionable, its power - unshakable, and its victory is
    a positively changing Armenia.

    It is quite natural that dangerous developments in any area are being
    eradicated and can be eradicated by the authorities. Fight against
    poverty, corruption, and other challenges facing our state first
    and foremost mean the fight of the leading party against them. Only
    a strong party can handle such a fight. You know that I have been
    presenting all important decisions and projects first of all for the
    Party discussions. Being a staunch believer in a work style which
    allows taking into consideration a wide range of opinions and acting
    on that premise, I have always been presenting crucial issues such as
    the anti-crisis measures or the Armenian-Turkish protocols for the
    Party debates. Frankly, these are usually the most difficult tests
    for all the initiatives. And this is the right way to act, because
    accountability within the party is not for unequivocal justification
    of the activities of the parties represented in the executive brunch
    but for the prevention of any mistakes.

    Because,

    The Party belongs not only to its current members, it belongs to
    the future.

    The Party is not for the present only, and we are not its members
    only today.

    The Republican Party is basically is a pillar of the reinstated
    Armenian statehood. And the stronger that pillar is, the stronger our
    statehood will be. The more modern the Party is, the more advanced
    the society will be.

    The time has come to enforce modern political culture.

    With this regard, political progress can be achieved only if within
    each political party a vast array of its members, including those
    who have different views on some issues, perceive themselves as equal
    members of the party, i.e. participate equally in the decision-making
    and feel equally responsible for their implementation. If on the
    party level this issues are not solved, if within the party each and
    every internal opposition is suppressed, which we have witnessed in
    our political field, then once that party assumed the leadership of
    the country, it will suppress any opposition. The Republican Party
    of Armenia is not and will not be doing it, and it is proved by the
    heated debates we are having during the discussions.

    To establish a stable political system in Armenia it is necessary
    first of all to have a stable intra-party system. And the leading
    party should become the pioneer, showing the way by its own example.

    Dear Friends,

    The pace of events nowadays has visibly accelerated. Our region and
    our country do not any longer wait in the wings of global politics,
    but have come forward, while our state and our people find themselves
    in the epicenter of events. The time has come in dealing with
    challenges to make quick decisions. Is there a guarantee that the
    smartest, strongest, most reliable, and the most united leadership
    will not err in making decisions to meet these challenges? Or after
    making mistakes will realize it on time, will accept and will try
    to redress them, because mistakes are unavoidable? As recently as
    yesterday to make no mistakes was a synonym of doing nothing. Today,
    however, doing nothing means to make mistakes. And, unfortunately,
    many are holding their breath to see that mistake happen. It means
    that we should act being at the same time alert of the possibility of
    making a mistake. Be assured that our people will forgive mistakes,
    but will not forgive doing nothing. There is no recipe for staying
    clear from mistakes. However, there is a chance to avoid them. It is,
    first of all, flexibility in making decisions and in changing them.

    New situations require new solutions and bring forward new logic for
    their resolution. A hostage to yesterday's solutions moves along a
    direct and predictable line. Political flexibility is possible only
    when one relinquishes the ambition of being the only smart and the only
    sensible. The smartest man can have a good idea once a day. The wise
    will listen to a thousand of smart and start working with a hundred
    of good ideas. We should be able to listen to each other and the
    others. The others may be smart, but one who leads the country must
    be also wise, to be flexible. If the opponent says something and it
    is a better and a more convincing idea, I have to realize his idea
    and not yours only because it happens to be yours. The Republican
    should continue to evolve to become a more flexible party, a party
    that is able to listen - to listen and make choices. To be a ruling
    party means to make choices, otherwise the best solutions will give
    way to simply good solutions. In a rapidly changing world to resist
    external challenges our country must first of all have a stable
    internal structure. What does it mean to be stable and what is our
    idea of political stability? Very often political opponents misuse
    the stability argument. Political stability doesn't mean rigid ideas,
    stagnant ideology, or indisputable authority. Our comprehension of
    political stability assumes freedom of thought. The factor of stability
    limits the format, not the content; it urges to build and create,
    not to keep silent. It will be possible, if in the political field
    the Republican Party assumes the pioneering role in strengthening
    the culture of a genuine dialogue. Heated debates shouldn't be
    underestimated, however we will secure political stability of our
    country by choosing the road of political dialogue.

    One can be tough toward the ideas but not toward those who express
    them. This must be done and we will do it first, we will uphold that
    principle. In establishing the culture of political dialogue in the
    country the foremost responsibility and opportunity lies with the
    ruling party. Let's assume that responsibility with honor. Let's
    create an exemplary model of the modern ruling party, which will
    serve the model also in the future.

    Dear Fellow Republicans,

    During the two years that passed since the last Party convention,
    the RPA through the established leadership has been able to prove
    that it can effectively solve the most complex problems facing the
    country. We proved with our work that when there is a will and resolve,
    headway could be achieved on any issue, even on the most painful one.

    It is attested by our initiative to establish normal interstate
    relations with Turkey without preconditions and the developments
    that ensued. Today, when the Armenian-Turkish protocols have been
    initialed, it can be stated with confidence that even though right
    now we are at the very beginning of the process and the Protocols are
    yet to be ratified and implemented, we, indisputably, have been able
    to break the ice and make significant progress in our relations with
    Turkey. It will undoubtedly contribute to the political and economic
    development of our two countries, to the regional cooperation;
    it will strengthen peace and stability in the region. Now we have
    reached the stage when the Parliaments of our two countries are to
    ratify the Protocols. This is a process that will provide a mirror
    image of the parties' seriousness, credibility of their word, and
    sense of responsibility. Armenia is a country which honors and duly
    fulfills her international obligations. I hope Turkey is guided by the
    same principle. I would like to mention the principle of "sensible
    timeframe" which is employed here. If Turkey protracts the process
    of ratification, Armenia, as I have already said, will take without
    delay corresponding steps envisaged by international law. At the same
    time, I reiterate that Armenia is ready to carry on with the initiated
    process. I would like to inform that I have already appealed to the
    Constitutional Court to decide on the validity of the obligations
    referred to in the Armenian-Turkish Protocols from the viewpoint of
    the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. And once again I want the
    world to know that the signing of the Armenian-Turkish Protocols and
    the establishment of relations with Turkey does not mean to abandon
    or forget the Armenian Genocide. On the contrary, I am confident
    that through the establishment of relations with Turkey, interaction
    with the Turkish public it will be possible to expedite the process
    of recognition in Turkey and all over the world. Harboring quite
    legitimate concerns regarding possible scenarios for the development
    of the Armenia-Turkey relations, we however, should not be afraid
    to have relations with that country, we shouldn't dismay because of
    the difficulties, shouldn't back off from taking bold steps. On the
    contrary, we should continue steadfastly, to get to the realization
    of our national and state goals through the well-calculated and wise
    steps. I agree that before we haven't had the political culture and
    diplomatic experience of relating with Turkey as two equals. I agree
    that Turkey is a powerful state, with a singular diplomatic demeanor.

    I, certainly, agree with all these observations. However, I
    categorically disagree with the conclusion that some draw based on
    these observations that it is necessary to stay clear from the Turks,
    because they can be deceitful. It is an erroneous conclusion. Yes,
    we don't have experience of interacting with the Turks, but it must
    be started one day, must it not? And let me assure you - we learn
    fast...And today we are not what we were one year ago. The same
    goes for the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and for our
    relations with Azerbaijan. Armenia favors peaceful resolution of the
    NK conflict, through peace negotiations, however we will not allow any
    encroachment against Nagorno Karabakh and any such attempt will be
    countered with the toughest measures. In the NK conflict settlement
    the principles stated by the Armenian authorities remain unchanged
    and are enshrined in the programs of the Republican Party and the
    President of Armenia. We are guided by these basic principles. We
    conduct negotiations based on these principles. Any reasonable person
    understands that a conflict settlement is a very convoluted process,
    and it may take years to get to the final solution. However, today's
    situation with the conflict resolution inspires hope that we may be
    able to get to its logical conclusion in a reasonable period of time.

    In our relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan we will place above all our
    national and state interests and we will be resolute in finishing the
    job. Indisputably, conflicts get a long-lasting and durable solution
    only when they are based on just and reasonable compromises.

    The time of colonizing people, who live on their own land, has passed.

    We have stated loud and clear that the NK conflict resolution must
    be anchored on the collective will of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.

    Only in that case the solution will be durable, realistic, and
    peaceful. Treaty among all the parties to the NK conflict must enclose
    in one package solutions to all problems as well as international
    mechanisms which will guarantee the implementation of these solutions.

    Dear Fellow Republicans,

    After the parliamentary and presidential elections, the Republican
    Party of Armenia reached principal position, which allowed to attain
    majority in the legislative and executive branches, and along with
    the coalition partners assumed full responsibility of governing the
    country. This fact played a crucial role in preserving internal
    stability, conducting efficient economic policy under the global
    economic and financial crisis, initiating effective steps in foreign
    policy, and moving forward on other directions. Moreover, the results
    of the elections to the local governance bodies and to the Yerevan
    Municipal Council testified to the public's growing trust toward our
    Party. The Republican Party not only continues to get most votes in
    different elections but also works seriously to improve the entire
    electoral process. It is no coincidence that at the Yerevan Municipal
    Council elections the international and local organizations for the
    first time registered serious positive changes in such parts of the
    electoral process, which in the past were mostly criticized. Before
    next parliamentary and presidential elections, the Republican Party
    along with its coalition partners should double its efforts to firmly
    implement all our programs. We cannot delay and should successfully
    continue the process of reformation.

    I would like to mention that in recent months the macroeconomic
    developments and strong tendencies toward the stabilization of the
    economy permit us to make more confident forecast regarding the
    prospects of the country's economic development in 2010. It also
    allows to review some indices in the draft budget for 2010, providing
    for the increase of the state budget in both funding and spending.

    Already today it can be stated with confidence that in its spending
    part the budget 2010 will exceed factual spending for 2009.

    Furthermore, the 2010 budget will exceed the 2009 budget. We have had
    the opportunity to get favorable loans from the European Union, which
    will allow in the future to augment the 2010 budget with another 60
    billion AMD and increase spending. As a result, next year the spending
    part of the state budget will come close to 1 trillion AMD. I would
    like to stress that all the talks that the Republic of Armenia has
    a huge state debt are only for those, who are not well familiar with
    the economic policy and are aimed at terrifying our people. The very
    notion of "debt" exists just for this kind of situations. Had we
    had plenty of money, we wouldn't borrow. Besides, money is lended
    to those who have good credit. When our state is given charity, we
    receive grants and not loans. And if we are lended money, it means
    we have established good credit. Better times will come, our budget
    will grow, our GDP will grow, and we will bounce back. In the budget
    to be presented to the National Assembly we will definitely be able to
    increase spending in the important areas such as economic development
    and export facilitation, development of agricultural infrastructure,
    education and defense, assistance to the NKR, and others.

    Active steps aimed at the increasing the country's international
    competitiveness, particularly, reforms in tax and customs
    administration, creation of equal opportunities for all, equal
    territorial development, reformation of the pension system, and overall
    efforts directed at the modernization of the country will continue. And
    this is one of the most serious challenges facing not only me as the
    President or us, as the Republican Party and coalition partners, but
    all of us - our entire society and nation. Regardless of political
    and economic upheavals, regardless of the outcome of the elections,
    regardless of the international and regional situation we shouldn't
    forget that we have to do all which is possible and impossible so that
    next generations inherit a much more developed, much more prosperous
    and developed country. I am confident that we are able to pass this
    historic test with the understanding that development and prosperity
    of our state depends exclusively on our people.

    Hence, let's repeat what we have stated long ago.

    Each new day Armenia must be better than day before. This reasoning
    must guide us all - reasoning of a better Armenia, prosperous Armenia,
    and strong Armenia. The Armenia, where everyone can realize his or
    her potential rather than in the search of a better life leave the
    country; where everyone has a job and decent pay; where every child
    can get a good education, and every elderly - a pension that can
    provide a dignified living. A better Armenia for every citizen of
    the Republic of Armenia. A better Armenia for the children, workers,
    those who want to work, farmers, artists, people with initiatives,
    defenders of the motherland, elderly, disabled. A better Armenia
    for the sons and daughters of our nation who live in foreign land,
    a better Armenia for coming back home. A better Armenia for the
    fulfillment of the entire nation's dreams.

    Let's role up our sleeves, For you, Armenia, Armenia, Forge Ahead!

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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