Republican Party of Armenia

The ceremony of handing the RA 2011 Presidential Awards in different areas took place today at the Presidential Palace. The President of Armenia congratulated the awardees for the achievements and received awards, expressed gratitude for their important work and wished them new success.

Congratulatory Address by President Serzh Sargsyan at the ceremony of handing RA 2011 Presidential Awards

Dear Laureates of the RA Presidential Awards,

I cordially congratulate you on your achievements. Success of the scientists and art workers are pleasing for all of us, and we see it as our duty to highlight and emphasize your work. For me, and I am confident for our entire society, particularly important are the awards bestowed on the young people since they allow us to maintain permanence and continuity of our culture’s development.

While discoveries in the area of precise sciences often remain within the realm of narrow scientific circles, which is quite natural, the works of the artistes, historian and, in general, works pertinent to the humanitarian sciences should have serious public acclamation and impact. They are also more far-reaching and serve as important instruments for shaping a demanding society.

I believe that those present have a special approach on the fact that Ragıp Zarakolu, a citizen of Turkey has been awarded the Presidential Award for his significant contribution to the process of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. His activities signify a special mission. His struggle for bringing the historical truth to the Turkish society is a brilliant example of the decent civic position and courage. Your presence here and acceptance of this award is also a courageous act. This posture of yours is has not only aimed at a deeper comprehension of the past but it is also aimed at elevating mutual understanding of the neighboring peoples to a new level, and it is aimed into future. I thank you.

Dear attendees,

In the past, when this award was established through the initiative and sponsorship of the Poghossian family, it was based on these very ideas and noble goals. I express gratitude to the sponsors for carrying on with this job. I also express gratitude to the Executive Board of the All-Armenian Hayastan Fund for its organizational efforts, as well as to the specialized commissions, which are doing a difficult but a very gratifying work.

I once again congratulate you and wish that our laureates continue to be successful in their work and raise the Armenian arts and sciences to the new heights.