Secretary of the Security Council delivered a speech on the occasion of the Day of Formation of the Armed Forces

28 / 01 / 2019

On January 28, 2019, Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council visited military unit N to congratulate and reward the personnel on the occasion of the 27-th anniversary of the Formation of RA Armed Forces. Here a full transcript of his speech, as delivered, during the solemn ceremony held at the military unit.

“Distinguished Sir Colonel, gentlemen officers, dear soldiers,

I congratulate all of you on The Day of Formation of the Armed Forces.

Although this year marks the 27th anniversary of RA Armed Forces, the Armenian Army is as old as the Armenian nation. Throughout the history, it has always been the main guarantor of the security and physical existence of Armenians. During the wars imposed on us, The Army played a decisive role in the protection and preservation of statehood. The history has shown that when Armenian people lost their will and resources to have a strong army, they suffered the loss of statehood and were subjected to subsequent extermination.

Wars are, substantially, as old as the mankind. But even in the context of war, the most heinous phenomenon created by man, the humanity has invented the idea of just war. Though the idea has multiple meanings, one of the pillars, upon which it hinges, is that the war fought for the protection of homeland is just.

The war fought for Artsakh also fits in the context of the just war and self-defense ideas. The Artsakh war was imposed on us. We did not declare war on anyone, we merely declared our wish to live a free life. Unable to bear that, they fought a war against us, where we were bound to defend our freedom and ourselves.

Modern Armenian Army was formed during the Artsakh war. Praised be those who put their efforts and energy into that war! Praised be those who sacrificed their lives defending Artsakh!
Gentlemen officers, dear soldiers,

The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia has mandated you to ensure the protection, security, territorial integrity and inviolability of the countrie’s frontiers. This is the most honorable, yet, at the same time, the most difficult and responsible task. Not only you do keep our lands impregnable, you also do protect our freedoms, our Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the sovereignty.

I am convinced that not only is the victory in the Artsakh war, but also our early history is insightful of how to distribute responsibility in a right way.

For me, Monte Melkonian's life experience and values are exemplary. I am one of those lucky ones who had the privilege to know him well. Once my father, being at home for a short time, told me he had taken an Azerbaijani to the hospital, by the order of Monte. It was difficult to comprehend at that age, why we take a Azerbaijani to the hospital for a surgery, when we are in war with them. But in retrospect, I recognize his unique talent to remain humane at all times.

For us, the experience of King Pap of Armenia, who leaned on the reforming army, winning the Battle of Dzirav and recovering the independence of kingdom, is praiseworthy. Implementing serious reforms in the country, King Pap increased army capabilities, thus enhancing country’s security. His efforts are also exemplary for us.

Almost the same reality existed 100 years ago in Sardarapat. The Army again played a decisive role in the establishment of the First Armenian Republic. The 9-day Battle of Sardarapat ended with complete victory of Armenians following the defeat and rebut of the enemy. History shows that whenever we rely on our strength, our Army, our common sense and collective wisdom, we win. The opposite always leads us to grief and tragedy.

Armenian generals, officers and soldiers played a unique role in the world history also. We had a massive contribution to the victory over fascism. Misaq Manushyan, Marshal Baghramyan, Sergei Khudyakov are laudable up to today.

Everything said serves as proof, that Armenians are not only able to fight heroically and protect their lands, but that we have likewise been always a nation of professional servicemen, skillful military strategists and talented commanders. It is the high time to revive our glorious military traditions for the sake of our country’s security and prosperity.

At present we have our unique role in ensuring international security, peace and stability. Since 2004, the Republic of Armenia has consistently been involved in international peacekeeping and security efforts, participating, particularly, in NATO and UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Mali, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Gentlemen officers, dear soldiers,
Freedom and sovereignty have for centuries been the dream of our ancestors. Today we witness the realization of most part of these dreams. Our freedoms and collective dreams are protected over the area of 42 sq. kilometers.
We are strong when we follow the logic of the values we adhere to. But if we compromise on the protection of those values, we will follow the path of defeat, since the source of our strength is not only the power of our Army, but also our beliefs which are Freedom, Independence and Democracy.

Army is at the center of everyone’s attention. Our political team does its utmost to carry out an economic revolution, to multiply the state resources as well as to improve social conditions of our officers and soldiers, to increase the volume of the armaments and equipment of the Armed Forces and to raise the level of Army’s combat readiness.

We stand united in our vision to protect the Republic of Armenia and the Artsakh Republic. Responsibly performing the job entrusted to them, each one ensures the security of the others. Each soldier and officer in this military unit, perfectly mastering the military equipment, assigned to him, ensures the safety of the other soldiers and citizens living in Hadrut and Martakert. Soldiers defending the Hadrut and Martakert positions, in their place, ensure the security of the other soldiers and citizens of Meghri and Ashotsk.

Praised be the glorious Armenian Army, praised be our valiant soldiers, officers and generals!”