YEREVAN (Fact)Armenia’s cabinet held its first session Monday–where new prime minister Robert Kocharian was introduced to cabinet members and other government officials by Levon Ter-Petrosyan–who expressed that he accepted former prime minister Armen Sarkissian’s resignation with regret.
Ter-Petrosyan told the cabinet that there were no introductions necessary for Kocharian–since he was an active and visible figure in the Armenian political arena. He went on to praise Kocharian’s meticulous style of leadership and commended the former Karabakh president on his ability to complete tasks.
Ter-Petrosyan added that while Kocharian’s appointment was a great surprise–all facets and realms of ability–moral character–efficiency–populatity and the imperative for societal and popular cooperation and unity were considered.
In addressing the responsibilities facing the government–Ter-Petrosyan prioriatized the enhancement of social conditions–which–he said–were dependant on trade–a stable tax collection system and the efficiency of the customs system.
He emphasized that Kocharian’s appointment in no way signified a change in economic strategy–adding that Armenia remained commited to a free-market economy–accelerated reforms and the establishment of democratic institutions.
Processes of establishing a legitimate democratic states would continue–said Ter-Petrosyan who emphasized that nothing would be spared in this regard.
"This strategy cannot be vered–since these principles are our credo," claimed Ter-Petrosyan.
In conclusion–Ter-Petrosyan rhetorized that the leadership’s main concerns were to secure the country’s stability and to gather the people to collectively confront obstables still facing the Armenian nation. He concluded by saying that during his tenure–he would completely support the new prime minister.
Kocharian was then officially introduced to the cabinet–and in a brief address–he pledged to do his utmost to create a strong and stable Armenia–which–he termed to be one of the most important guarantees for Karabakh.
The new prime minister stated that while there were very complex obstacles facing Armenia– there were no problems that could not be conquered.