President: In our country, pluralism, political liberties, freedom of speech have no alternative
“Only fair Armenia can be secure. A “fair state” implies the ability to discuss with the citizens important issues and adopt fair decisions. A fair state must guarantee for everyone equal opportunities in politics, in the economy, and in cultural life; a fair state must ensure and enhance competition, at the same time protecting the most vulnerable social groups; a fair state must be able to forestall corruption efficiently,” Serzh Sargsyan stated at the RPA 14th Convention.
“Justice is based on the rule of law, on the ideas that recognize a person as the greatest asset, with everything that follows. Ensuring justice is the task for all state and local governance bodies; nevertheless it remains the primary task of the courts.
With this regard, we will continue to carry out fundamental, deep reforms, which, in a short period of time, will ensure accessible justice for our citizens, its real independence and efficiency.
We also realize that only free Armenia can be fair Armenia. In our country, pluralism, political liberties, freedom of speech have no alternative. This is an important principle, and we still have much to do to uphold and develop it,” said the President.
“Tolerance is the pillar of the political processes underway in our country. In the process of solving current issues we must rule out discrimination, suppression of dissent and other despicable manifestations. Constructive and responsible criticism is the promise of a healthy development of the political system. Development of a multiparty system and constructive dialogue between the political units are among important elements of a secure Armenia. In previous years, we have been implementing the policy of building bridges, and will maintain that principle in our agenda. The principle of national and social solidarity has no alternative.
Only ideological competition testifies to the maturity of the political systems of democratic states. We base our work on the national and democratic values and we also attach importance to stable relations with our partners in the Diaspora and its traditional political parties, which aim at the strengthening of Armenia-Diaspora political ties and the creation of favorable conditions for reaching the Secure Armenia objective,” said the President.
“A stable and sound political system also implies assistance to the creation and development of civil society institutions. We are determined to get to the point when every citizen of Armenia is confident that his or her voice is heard, his or her criticism receives proper attention and is treated with respect. The mature state of civil society in our country is a fact. Non-formal associations of citizens for the solution of issues which concern them has become a factor which influences decisions of the authorities and serves as a unique balancing mechanism. We will continue to move forward in this direction.
Notwithstanding all of the above, the well-being of families remains an essential base of secure Armenia. We have to set serious goals for our economic, social, cultural, educational, health care, and equal territorial development policies.”