President Sarkisian at the First Army Conference of Young Officers

YEREVAN—President Serzh Sarkisian expressed confidence that in the event of an attack by Azerbaijan, Armenian soldiers will be ready for defend the “Fatherland.”

“Today, we support peace but if the invaders and the unjust for a moment consider another reckless scheme, I know without a shadow of a doubt that there will be disproportion again, and once again we will be the strong because the defender of the paternal home and fatherland is invincible and unbeatable,” said Sarkisian during the First Army Conference of Young Officers, which took place at the Spendiarian National Opera and Ballet Academic Theater on Saturday.

“In the last war, the Armenian troops dealt blows that crushed each and every stronghold. The might of that blows has implanted seeds of panic and despair. As a result, there are not even lines standing. We have seen on many occasions the backs of the enemy retreating in disorder,” added Sarkisian, calling the soldiers the “backbone” of the Armenian state.

“Our rounds of fire and volleys glorified freedom of the man and the nation, human and national dignity. Relations in our army – from commanders to soldiers, were classical examples of friendship, mutual assistance and brotherhood-in-arms. We did not succumb either to inexperienced recruits, or to skilled mercenaries, or to the exceeding numbers of the enemy. For us, those were just additional warning signs to be more vigilant,” said Sarkisian.

“Yes, we have won in a lengthy, excruciating and disproportionate war. Some, by saying ‘disproportionate war’ mean the fact that Azerbaijan had more money, more military equipment and more troops. It is true; but for me it was a “disproportionate war” because the strong was fighting against the weak, and we were the strong. Freedom fighters were fighting against the invaders, and we were the freedom fighters. The just was fighting against the unjust, and we were the epitome of the just,” explained the president.

While having a conversation with soldiers, Company Commander, First lieutenant Armen Harutyunian asked if there was mounting pressure from the international community on Armenia to sign a deal after the Kazan meeting.

“First, I want to say that we will do everything to solve the issue peacefully. The process is going on and in that process we display constructive approach. Everyone knows that, a part of those who know it is encouraging us, the other part is trying to criticize,” explained Sarkisian.

“The important thing is that talks about pressure are exaggerated. The Co-Chairs states are trying to bring positions of all parties closer together, and when I say “all parties” I mean Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan. The process is exacting but it should be that way. We never said it’s going to be easy. Our position is clear-cut and that position is not easily accepted by the other side. We will do everything to ensure a just solution,” added Sarkisian.