official talk
Tigran Sargsyan
Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia
“ What was the significance of the two and a half years of the first Republic of Armenia in reviving the Armenian statehood?''
“ The short period of 1918-1920, when the first Republic of Armenia existed, had a rather serious role in the revival of the Armenian statehood. Having no statehood for about 700 years we again achieved the right to live freely, to decide our own future. Unfortunately, the First Republic didn ' t live long; however, it left for generations to come the commandment to live freely, to act independently. The experience, state symbols and the statehood spirit of 1918-1920 First Republic were undeniably important for the creation of today ' s Armenian Republic.”
“ Your opinion about that very state-building generation; and specifically what figure or figures would you point out for the significant role they played in creating the state?”
“ Each period of time brings its own specific challenges. The national toffs of that very historical period managed to take the opportunity and undertook the attempt to create statehood under most complicated conditions. Several works have been written about the history of the First Republic, variable criticisms have been voiced about it; meanwhile, it is necessary to consider the peculiarities of the time and learn lessons from history instead of rushing to extremes. As to individuals, I would rather not point out any figure for their role in creating statehood. Prime Ministers Hovhannes Qajaznuni, Alexander Khatisyan, Hamo Ohanjanyan, Simon Vratsyan, state and military figures Drastamat Kanayan, Aram Manukyan, Garegin Nzhdeh, Ruben Ter-Minasyan, top officers of the First Republic – all of them had their own role in the creation of statehood, all of them sought independence for Armenia and freedom for an Armenian. These people fought for the state, they struggled for their type not to extinguish, but to have future, and a state is the best guarantor for their aims and desires to come true. Thus, we have obligations before the memory, work and desires of those people.”
“ What does being a citizen of independent Armenia mean to you?”
“ Responsibility before our ancestors because it is due to them that we have a state today. It is the result of their sacrifice, privation, struggle. We have responsibility before the generations to come. We must leave legacy that will make the opportunities for our nation ' s development maximum and will make transition from survival to development.”
2( 22) 2013
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