Thursday, February 28 2019 11:15

ArmInfo.At the end of the first day of his official visit to Iran, accompanied by Mrs. Anna Hakobyan and the members of his delegation, Prime Minister Nikol  Pashinyan met with the local Armenian community representatives, the  press service of the Armenian Prime Minister informs. The meeting  took place at Tehran's Ararat Sports and Cultural Association.  Thousands of Iranian-Armenians attended the meeting. They welcomed  the Prime Minister with enthusiasm, warmth and applause.

Prior to addressing the audience, Nikol Pashinyan signed the Book of  Honorary Guests at Ararat Sport-Cultural Union. Welcoming the  representatives of the Iranian-Armenian community, Nikol Pashinyan  stated, in part: "Proud citizens of proud Armenians in Iran, I  welcome all of you. It is a great honor for me to be here and enjoy a  purely Armenian and homely atmosphere. I want to say that I love all  of you, I am proud of you all, I am proud of your spirit, I bow to  all of you living far from your homeland in the friendly and  brotherly Iran; it is very important that you can provide such an  atmosphere. This proves that being a citizen of Iran is not at odds  with one's being Armenian, being from Armenia and focused on Armenia.   Of course, during the revolutionary days of April-May, I had no  chance to follow what was happening in our communities, in particular  in the Iranian-Armenian community, but I also know that the whole  community was closely following the development in the Homeland.   Dear compatriots, I will not hesitate to say that you were full  participants of the popular revolution that took place in the  Republic of Armenia. No matter who was physically present in Armenia:  the changes would not have happened without your support.  Yes, each  one of you participated in the non-violent, velvet popular revolution  in Armenia with your love and attention, and the triumph of our  popular revolution was the personal victory of each of you because it  brought unity to the Armenian people; unity that will never be  impaired in any way.  I want to make a clear record. Yes, there may  be discussions, debates, different approaches and views on issues  related to the Diaspora in Armenia, but I want to set a task before  us, first and foremost before me and our government: we must rule out  any such action as may cast doubt on the unprecedented national unity  that the Armenian people enjoy today in Armenia, in Iran and in the  Diaspora. That unity is out of any political and party interests, our  national unity is exalted above all, and we all serve that national  unity.

I cannot help addressing words of respect and appreciation to Ararat  Club, which has been able to create such an exclusive Armenian hearth  through individual efforts, the efforts of individual groups and the  efforts of individual parties. This is truly our common pride: thanks  to the beloved participants and organizers of Ararat Club. I would  like to emphasize that this service is unique not only for the  Armenian community of Iran, but also for Armenians and the Republic  of Armenia.  I also want to emphasize the exceptional service  provided by the Iranian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the  Armenian Catholic Church, and the Armenian Evangelical Church in the  Iranian-Armenian community here.  The fact that all of us are here  under the same roof, emphasizes that a truly new chapter has been  opened in the history of our people, and each of us has a share to  take by writing and creating that part of our history.   The greatest mission of our revolution and the government is that  each of us, each one of you, as a whole, not only believes in the  future of our homeland, our nation, but also is confident that we  will be victorious in the 21st century. This is a new nationwide  march with which we should open a new page in our nation's history.  We can record your loyalty to the values that led to the non-violent,  velvet popular revolution.

We no longer have separate agendas for Armenia and the Diaspora: we  have a national agenda aimed at achieving national goals. I have  repeatedly stated that while suffering, our people have always  dreamed, we have dreamed of new victories, new happiness and new  unity.

I want to say that the time has come to materialize our  long-cherished dreams, and your presence here testifies to the fact  that we are united on the way to implementing our aspirations,  whether it be Armenia's economic empowerment, the enforcement of  Artsakh people's legitimate demand, or the realization of our dreams.  We must build our future with our own hands.  Our destiny is no   longer in the East, in the North and in the South, but in our hands,  and as dignified citizens, we must grasp the fate of our destiny, and  as a state, we must head for ever new victories. But I also want to  emphasize that the realization of these dreams depends on each one,  especially on me and my government.

You have fulfilled your duty today because I got so much energy from  the meeting that once back to Armenia, I will endeavor with doubled,  tripled, fourfold energy. I would like to thank you for such a  meeting and atmosphere.

Long live freedom! Long live the Republic of Armenia! Long live the  Armenian-Iranian friendship! Long live our children and we as we are  living and will live as dignified and victorious sons of a free,  proud and dignified people. Thank you."

In conclusion, Prime Minister Pashinyan answered a number of  questions concerning the strengthening of Armenia-Diaspora relations,  the results of today's talks, his government's priorities, the  Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, the Armenian-Turkish relations  and other topics.