05
08, 2009

President Serzh Sargsyan received delegation of the Armenian General Athletic Union

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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.

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