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Armenia's third President Serzh Sargsyan, who heads the Republican Party of Armenia, on Saturday addressed the Haykyan 2021 award ceremony. Sargsyan’s full statement publicized by his office is provided below.

"First, I would like to greet once again our partners gathered here and thank the organizers and award winners for creating this atmosphere.

I believe this a continuation of a very important tradition. I am deeply convinced that people who craft, create, and struggle, those who are true creators and true strugglers, never do that with the anticipation that they will receive an award or that they will serve an example for others. They do that because it’s a call coming from their souls, and regrettably, very often they do it through self-sacrifice.

Today, we have such an example – Armen Grigorian.  I know from his lawyers that he categorically refused to appeal to the current authorities so that due to his health condition his measure of restraint was changed. It is true that he had certain health problems, but I also have to state that those were not that problems that led him to immortality. The first opinion expressed by the specialists was that he died of a heart attack or, as it’s said, of an extensive myocardial infarction. But he never made a visit to a cardiologist.

I have participated to numerous award ceremonies and came to a conclusion that this particular award ceremony aims to demonstrate, show the public the activities and contribution which the individuals have made in the preservation of our national values, in their protection and expansion. But among the winners I also see the individuals who deal with the challenges which our national values face and fight against these challenges. This is very important, if you look around you, you will see what’s going on.

I have no doubt that this is a passing moment in our nation’s and our society’s life. Throughout history, there have been many moments like these, and some because of temptation or maybe some facts are trying to dishearten our people, are trying to make them run from one extreme to another.

I know of no nation which lasted long without statehood: we are probably among the few.

There are many examples but these peoples cannot be viewed as accomplished nations because their national priorities are not fulfilled.

Statehood is an instrument for the fulfillment of national priorities. Statehood serves to insure a nation’s eternity; statehood serves to insure a nation’s security. When state is unable to do that, it becomes a real tragedy for the nation.

I am deeply convinced that many worthy people and many worthy deeds are not represented today in this hall. But at the same time, I fully realize that one ceremony or one event cannot encompass it all. And with this regard, I certainly want to express my support to Haykyan award ceremony and want it to last, to be held every year so that we are able within the scope of our ability to encourage and express this way our gratitude to all those people.

Thank you very much."