"On the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the declaration of independence, I am sure many will speak, especially now when everything is being questioned," writes Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia party, from the central penitentiary.
"I have repeatedly stated that I am not a classical politician, and today I will allow myself to speak in non-classical formulations. I will speak as a person who has continuously built in his homeland over these 36 years, created tens of thousands of jobs, brought Armenian sports to an international level, supported Armenian communities in the diaspora, and has always called for internal solidarity.
It is clear that on the 36th anniversary of the declaration of independence, we face complex decisions and great risks. Each generation will evaluate the declaration of independence in its own way. Politically motivated discussions and assessments will yield nothing. This will lead to even greater division and even greater uncertainty.
Instead, we need to understand the risks of today and tomorrow with a cool mind, point out all the dangerous challenges, understand the opportunities for development, and find the best steps for the security of our country and the welfare of our people.
States develop only when they set clear goals and rational objectives. It is clear that we have the task of bringing our country out of the Russia-West conflict. It is clear that we have the task of solving the serious crisis threatening the economy. It is clear that we need large economic programs. It is clear that we must be ready for a phase of regional peace, ready with our programs, our proposals, and our determination to say "no" or "yes".
It is clear that it is restless around us, and our neighbor Iran is effectively at war. It is clear that at any moment, for any reason, the situation in the region can escalate. It is clear that we must find solutions to mitigate and eliminate internal contradictions.
For me, it is clear that Armenia and the Armenian world have sufficient potential to emerge from this most difficult situation and lead the country on the path of development. But for this, one condition is necessary - internal solidarity.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the declaration of independence, I want to send my greetings to our compatriots held in prisons in Baku - my friends Ruben, Bako, Arkadi, Levon, David, and all my other friends and relatives, some of whom I do not know personally. They are all carriers of the idea of independence and the eternal existence of Armenia, worthy sons of our people who today suffer from deprivation in captivity. I want to express hope that this difficult period will soon come to an end, and a new, bright period will begin for those genuinely concerned about the fate of Armenia.
Central Penitentiary
23.08.26
