STATEMENT

Armenia-Diaspora Third Conference, which took place on the eve of a historical event - 15th Anniversary of the Armenian independence, reiterates our resolve and determination to promote in every possible way the strengthening of Armenian Statehood, as a vital precondition for the resolution of all problems faced by all Armenians and for our continuous advancement.

The Third Conference takes note that in recent times, Armenia-Diaspora relations and cooperation have been developing harmoniously, with reciprocal trust and respect, and a solid base has been established for future expansion and strengthening.

We have a common history, shared objectives and problems, priorities which pertain to all Armenians and as well as those which are particular to specific communities, and only through combined efforts, through the consolidation of our human and material resources, will we be able to resolve existing problems.

The Republic of Armenia, as a state, assumes with all its capacity and power, the responsibility to provide the necessary conditions for every Armenian to participate in state-building, and in Armenia's strengthening and development processes.

The Conference reaffirms that our national identity is indivisibly linked with Christianity, and that the mission of the Armenian Church in the spiritual and ethical life of the Armenian people, as well as in the expansion and deepening of Armenia-Diaspora relations, is momentous and significant.

The Conference approves the Rural Poverty Eradication Program and appeals to all structures, organizations and to all our people as a whole to actively participate in the planning, organization and implementation of the Program.

In our modern history, the greatest achievement of our people has been the liberation of Artsakh, which is the expression of our people's unwavering resolve to defend our historic rights. The liberation of Artsakh has become the clear evidence of our unity, solidarity and commitment.

We reiterate our total responsibility and complete support for the right of the people of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic to live in freedom and to exercise their right of self-determination.

After Armenia regained independence, the Armenian Diaspora found itself in a new situation and throughout the period when serious and risky challenges confronted the newly independent Armenian state, demonstrated unprecedented material, political and moral support to our country.

Concurrently, the issues faced by the Diaspora remain mostly the same. These are preservation and continuity of national identity, traditions and culture in the various host countries, in different religious and ethno-cultural conditions. Toward that end the Republic of Armenia lends its total support to Diaspora.

The Conference reaffirms its resolve to attain international recognition of the Armenian Genocide in all countries. The Conference welcomes and expresses its gratitude to all the just-thinking friends of the Armenian people, whose efforts testify the growing feeling of responsibility on the part of the international community for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

We are confident that principles of democracy, human rights and liberty are the priorities for a properly functioning state and social structures.

Our fundamental values are peace, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation among peoples, the right of individuals and peoples to live in liberty and exercise freedom of speech and faith.

We are resolved and determined to protect our national rights and interests in the 21st century, to enforce peace and unity, to solve our problems, to fulfill our dreams together in the name of our people, for the safe and secure development and advancement of our homeland.