US-based Armenians can greatly contribute to attraction of investment in Armenia – Serzh Sargsyan

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit to the United States, visited on Thursday St. James Armenian church in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Accompanied by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, and by Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the USA of the Great House of Cilicia, Archbishop Oshakan Choloyan, members of the local Armenian community, President Serzh Sargsyan laid wreaths at the Memorial to Armenian Genocide victims.

At a meeting with representatives of the local Armenian community Armenia’s leader delivered a speech.
Mr Sargsyan said, in particular:

“We have united as never before 100 years after the Armenian Genocide. We have joined our efforts and, in a unity of spirit, have been able to prove to the world that the Armenian people has unbreakable will and has waged a long struggle for freedom and condemnation of the crime against humanity – for the horrific crime named genocide to never be committed in any part of the world.

“The Artsakh liberation movement that began 28 years ago proved one more piece of evidence of our national revival and unity. The Artsakh Armenians’ rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh remain our national priorities.

“But for Azerbaijan’s extremist positions and provocations, we would have settled the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict long ago and our people would now enjoy entirely different opportunities. Of course, a peaceful settlement of the conflict remains our aim. However, I can assure you that we can without any hesitation take adequate retaliatory measures to neutralize the enemy aggression.

“We must be united and take well coordinated steps not only for recognition of the Armenian Genocide and a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but also for our country’s economic progress and prosperity. Much has to be done, and I believe that you will be actively cooperating with us. No doubt, you are well aware that the global economic crisis and shocks affected Armenia as well and we have to work, coping with additional difficulties. However, I should note that, amid the latest problems in European states and in Russia, we registered an economic growth of slightly higher than 3%, whereas many countries registered economic decline.

“In the context of our country’s investment attractiveness, I would like to highlight our diplomats’ consistent work and the Armenian community’s active involvement in the processes. Making use of your ties with US business circles, you can greatly contribute to attraction of foreign investment to Armenia. I believe that the US Armenians’ potential is not fully used. Their consistent involvement will ensure obvious success.”