WASHINGTON, D.C. - Armenia will proceed with the united actions for the international recognition of the  Armenian Genocide and its condemnation, Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan said at a meeting with the Armenian community in Washington, D.C.

During the meeting Serzh Sargsyan made a welcome speech and responded to the questions of the attendees.

In his speech, the President highly appreciated the support of the international community in the framework of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. He specifically mentioned the criminalization of the Armenian Genocide by the parliaments of Greece and Cyprus, its recognition by the parliaments of Austria, Bolivia, Chile and Luxembourg, the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament and Russia’s State Duma, as well as the turning-point speech by the German President, who “by courageously urging to confront its own history, guided the current and future leaders in making the world a fairer and safer place.”

Sargsyan also qualified as exceptional the Holy Mass served by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica on April 12. “I’m deeply confident that that event served to not only recognize the Armenian Genocide, but also appreciate the Armenians’ merit and realize the fact of Armenians’ input in the world’s civilization. Of course, it’s very important for us that these series of events are followed by interreligious prayer to be held at the Washington Cathedral, as well as by other events planned to take place in the future,” Sargsyan said.

“We will, no doubt, proceed with the united actions for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and its condemnation, and I’m sure we are close to the day of achieving this goal,” the President said.

Referring to the Karabakh conflict, Armenia’s President said that that question continues to remain among the most important ones. “Armenia’s position has and continues to be the peaceful settlement based on the principles of international law, in line with the position of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs and co-chairing states.”

Sargsyan also thanked the Armenian community for their contribution, referring to the fact that five US states have already supported Karabakh’s state building, which according to the President, is entirely the result of the community’s work.

“Regardless of anything, I’m sure that due to our coordinated work we will manage to turn Karabakh into a valid legal entity of international law and relations,” Sargsyan said.

Referring to the US-funded companies operating in Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan noted that in a few days the US company “ContourGlobal” is going to kick off its operation in the Armenian market with its investment capital of US $250 million, which is the largest American investment in the history of Armenia.   

In light of signing the Trade and Investments Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the United States, the President said that this step opened up new opportunities for the success in the field of Armenian-American economic cooperation. “This means that the cooperation between the businessmen of two countries is encouraged at state level.”

By the end of the meeting Serzh Sargsyan thanked the participants for their presence, as well as for considering the power of their unity.