Serzh Sargsyan: Who else, if not me?
On Tuesday evening, Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community in Lebanon.
In his speech, Mr Sargsyan said he is proud to have a strong and creative Armenian community in Lebanon and is happy to meet with hi compatriots during his visits to the country.
The Armenian leader then commended the Armenian community for its assistance to Syrian Armenians. He stressed once again that Armenia is supporting each Syrian Armenian both in Syria and in Armenia.
Serzh Sargsyan pointed out the potential of the Armenian community to ensure new achievements in Armenian-Lebanese relations, international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and accomplishment of other national tasks.
He stressed that the community has supported Armenia during the most difficult moments since the country proclaimed independence in 1991, on the difficult days of the Artsakh war, 1988 earthquake and has contributed to the country's economic and political progress.
"I am glad to say that Armenians of Lebanon are showing interest and confidence in their Homeland. The huge number of applications for Armenian citizenship testifies to this. If in 2010, at least 200 local Armenians acquired Armenian citizenship, today the number has increased ten-fold and the trend is continuing. True, citizenship does not yet imply permanent residence in Armenia: an Armenian passport ensures legal connection with the country," said Mr Sargsyan.
"You will agree with me that there is not any country in the world that does not have problems. Armenia has a number of them. However, we have a number of achievements as well. True, Armenia still needs your help, but it is able to support you as well. The sustainable development and prosperity of our country are an irreversible fact. All achievements of our independent country are the fruits of the work of the ten million Armenians," he continued.
"The Armenia-Diaspora cooperation has acquired new strategic importance today," he added.
The Armenian leader and representatives of the Armenian community also discussed key issues of Armenia's foreign and domestic policy.
We should be able to keep abreast of the times and build the future of our generations. We should be guided by the motto "Who else, if not me?" Serzh Sargsyan said in conclusion.
