YEREVAN (Yerkir)–Events marking the 115th anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) concluded with a meeting on Thursday at the National Opera and Ballet Theater in Yerevan.
In his opening remarks–ARF Supreme Body of Armenia representative Armen Rustamian spoke about the role of the ARF in Armenian politics and the diaspora–where the party’s main role is the preservation of Armenian identity and advancing Armenian issues.
ARF Bureau representative Hrant Markarian–addressed the ARF’s accomplishmen’s–and the party’s position on many matters.
"The ARF is a party that is represented in 30 countries of the world and has assumed various responsibilities; its membership includes Armenia’s from all walks of life," he said–adding–"As an organization–we belong to the Armenian people. They are the source of our strength. All the problems of the Armenian people are ours–as well."
He spoke of the party’s activities in Armenia and explained the ARF’s decision to participate in the ruling coalition.
"We joined the government in an effort guarantee basic human rights and an even handed approach–because the stability of the country hinges on these factors. In order to progresses effectively–the country must be cleared of corruption–and impunity," stressed Margarian. "We may not have accomplished it all yet–but we have done more than others and we will continue this struggle."
In conclusion–he appealed to his party saying–"Our struggle was easy when the Karabagh liberation war was going on and when we were not a part of the government. Our responsibility was limited. Today–our struggle is more difficult–and our behavior is critical for both our organization and society.
By our moral behavior–and that of our party members who hold office–we can guarantee that our party will accomplish its goals."