By the decree of President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, Major Garush Hambardzumyan, Captain Sos Elbakyan, as well as Junior Sergeants Smbat Gabrielyan and Grisha Matevosyan, who died while defending the border of Armenia in Tavush Province, have been posthumously awarded the 2nd Degree Medal for Services to the Homeland, the Medal for Courage and the Medal for Combat Service, respectively.

“I express my deep condolences to the families and relatives of the heroes who were killed while defending our state border. I respect their eternal memory,” President Sarkissian said during a ceremony held at the presidential residence today, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery, and the servicemen defending the border and the residents of borderline villages — persistence and endurance.

By presidential decrees, the military title of Major-General was conferred on Colonels Artak Tonoyan, Zhirayr Poghosyan and Andranik Piloyan. The President wished the servicemen success in their service and said the following: “You are receiving this title during difficult times in Armenia when Azerbaijan has launched military operations in the direction of the northeastern sector of the state border. These operations are overt attempts of military aggression that are doomed to failure,” he said and emphasized that the aggression is yet another manifestation of hatred and enmity on the part of Azerbaijan.

President Sarkissian stressed the fact that the Armenian army is an army of peace and Armenian soldiers are soldiers who love and keep peace, but they are ready and can achieve victory in any battle or war. “The life of every citizen and every serviceman and each piece of land is precious for Armenia. We are ready and capable of defending us and our territories. We will continue to win because we have brave soldiers, officers, army generals and a victorious army,” he said.

President Sarkissian emphasized once again that the army is the main guarantee of Armenia’s successes and stated that a strong economy is required in order to have a strong army and, most importantly, Armenians need to stand united as one. “The need for national unity is felt more and more after July 12,” he said and called on all Armenians of Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora to unite and make sure our soldiers feel that they are united.

Taking the opportunity, President Sarkissian expressed his gratitude to all the pro-government and opposition political parties in the National Assembly and extra-parliamentary political parties since their absolute majority today declared that they are setting aside their differences and have joined forces since the country is facing the danger of the enemy once again.

The high-ranking servicemen expressed gratitude to the President and assured that they are ready to complete their tasks and continue to serve the homeland with their potential, knowledge, experience and skills.