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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