From: Justin Burke (JBurke@sorosny.org)
Date: Fri Apr 11 2003 - 09:10:15 EDT
Armenian president vows to justify people's confidence
Text of report by Armenian Public TV on 9 April
[Presenter over video of inauguration ceremony] Robert Kocharyan took on
the position of the president of the Republic of Armenia on 9 April.
The inauguration ceremony took place in the government's session hall.
Robert Kocharyan delivered his speech with his right hand on the
Constitution and the Bible, which date back to the 7th century.
After the national anthem of Armenia was played, Speaker of the Armenian
National Assembly Armen Khachatryan addressed participants in the
inauguration ceremony and invited Robert Kocharyan to swear an oath and
take on the duties of the Armenian president.
[Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, captioned] Taking on the duties of
the president of the Republic of Armenia, I swear to fulfil unreservedly
the demands of the Constitutional Court, to respect human rights and
freedoms and to ensure Armenia's territorial integrity, independence and
security for the sake of our Motherland and nation.
[Presenter] After Robert Kocharyan took the oath, Catholicos of All
Armenians Garegin II congratulated him.
[Robert Kocharyan] Esteemed guests and dear compatriots! I thank our
people for actively participating in the elections and putting
confidence in me. I thank those who have responded to my call to work
together. Any election is a test for the state and people. The elections
have finished, and everyday work has started again to tackle the tasks
facing the country. In spite of all the difficulties, the electoral
campaign was a good opportunity to establish a close friendly contact
with people. It was very interesting and useful for me. We went to the
elections with the highest indicators in all fields.
It is extremely important that the authorities' policy is clear and
understandable for the public. We always have to clarify our actions,
their importance and benefit for the people. We are obliged to report to
the public. It must become our working style. Reforms must be carried
our persistently. Otherwise the country will not progress. It is
necessary to find a right correlation between the pace and volume of
reforms and the inertia of public consciousness.
An effective and targeted social policy is needed to protect the most
vulnerable strata of society. I am working on these issues. They will be
implemented after the parliamentary elections.
Dear compatriots!
Today, I want to reaffirm that I intend to implement my electoral
programme. The electoral programme is now becoming a programme of
action. Labour is a key to the solution of our problems. Labour will
ensure the country's economic development and everyone's welfare. I call
all our citizens for peaceful and creative labour. I urge them to be
more enthusiastic and challenging, especially in the field of small and
medium-sized business. The middle class is not formed from above. You
can do this. The authorities have to ensure favourable conditions for
this process. This will be the policy of tomorrow's Armenia and its
economic stability. The reform of all the state structures and services
is our priority task. The state machine has been created for people, it
exists on the tax-payers' money and must serve people. Combating
corruption, clans and protectionism must be priority of our work. The
effectiveness of this work depends on the political will of the
authorities and the people's activity.
National consent is an important precondition for the settlement of all
problems both inside Armenia and abroad. Steps have to be taken to boost
optimistic moods in society.
I would like to also speak about the forthcoming referendum on
constitutional reforms. This is the most important event in the
country's life. The success of the referendum will ensure progress in
reforming the state structure, establishing legitimate authorities,
developing democracy and protecting human rights. To miss this
opportunity would be an unforgivable mistake. I expect all the parties,
political organizations and our citizens to support the constitutional
reforms.
Dear compatriots, esteemed guests! Taking on the duties of the president
of the Republic of Armenia, I realize that I am taking on historical
responsibility. We should pursue our national interests, fulfil step by
step our people's long-awaited expectations and build an independent,
democratic and prospering Armenia. There is no alternative. I am
convinced that when I complete my term of office in five years, I will
have justified the nation's hopes and confidence in me. Thank you.
Source: Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan, in Armenian 1900 gmt 9
Apr 03
BBC Mon TCU 100403 sa/lg
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