YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan delivered a congratulatory message in connection wit the coming New Year.

“For the Armenian Armed Forces, 2011 was a year of maintaining success and reducing flaws. The Armenian army performed its military tasks with honor, and safeguarded our people’s peaceful and secure creation. Combat-readiness of the Armed Forces further grew in 2011. The Armed Forces expanded their mission in the operations toward the protection of international security. 2011 was a difficult but a dignified year for the Armenian army.

The tension continuously escalated at the line of contact with the adversary. I warmly greet all soldiers who render the country’s borders unreachable. I greet and extend my deep thanks to the parents of all solders of the Armenian army. I also greet and thank the officers of the Armenian army. I extend my best wishes to the veterans who have triumphed in the Artsakh [Karabakh] war and who are at the sources of the army. 2011 was also a year of difficulties. Sadly, flaws, mistakes, and unfortunate incidents were recorded in the Armed Forces.

The life and health of each soldier is very precious for us. At this time I extend my sympathies to the parents of the soldiers who fell while carrying out their duty for the fatherland. I bow before the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives while defending the borders of the fatherland.

Speaking about the accomplishments in the passing year, we need to point out that there is still a lot to do. As Minister of Defense, I assure that the defense reforms are, and will continue to be, at the focus of my immediate attention. For all this, we must have confidence in our power and faith toward the future,” the message specifically reads.