ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARIAN ON THE ARMENIAN PUBLIC TV

Dear Compatriots:

Today I address you as the President of the Republic of Armenia for the last time. Undoubtedly, the temptation to report on the accomplishments is great.

However, I will not speak about the achievements of the last ten years. The progress made by the country is noticeable, lives of our citizens have improved. There are not too many countries in the world that have the same pace of development as Armenia.

At the same time it is obvious that there is still much to be done. The life standard is beyond the desirable. But I will not speak of the future work. It will be the task for the next President and the next Government.

For me these ten years flew by like a short instant. The President’s work is hard and responsible. But at the same time it is very interesting, and creative, a work which demands constant self-improvement.

I am thankful to the Armenian people for the confidence, which allowed me to be responsible for the country for ten years. I am grateful to all those with whom I worked and had an opportunity to implement numerous programs. I am thankful to each and every citizen of Armenia who has made even if a small contribution to the development of our country. And I am grateful to the Diaspora for supporting my every initiative.

Those, whose life has not improved during these ten years, those whose expectations have not been met and whose dreams have not become true I ask for forgiveness.

Leaving a position one usually reckons whether is was possible to do more. Probably it was, but I did my best. I worked on a busy schedule and didn’t spare my efforts. At least I made good all the promises given to my electorate.

I believe in Armenia’s future and in our people’s powerful potential. I believe in the new President’s ability to efficiently govern the state. To be more successful we, as a society, need to be more optimistic, more vigorous, more trusting and more tolerant.

We have said more than once that our country is not rich with natural resources and that our greatest resource is our people.

Dear compatriots, are you that people. With your day-by-day work you built this country and make it move forward. Your hard work and entrepreneurial spirit boost our economy. Thanks to you Armenia in the coming years will have new achievements. I believe that stable, secure and prosperous Armenia will soon become a reality: I believe it because I believe in you.

Thank you.