YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Armenian President Robert Kocharian issued an announcement Thursday marking the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The translated text of the announcement is published below: 50 years ago–the United Nations General Assembly issued a document which has historical significance for the entire human race. Half a century has passed since the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights–which not only is it still contemporary [in its content]–it has become a moral weapon defending the rights and humility of people living in the four corners of the world.
The Republic of Armenia has adopted the principles of respecting human rights–democracy and freedom of speech. In this regard we can list some achievemen’s–but there still a lot to accomplish. Today–in our country–the best guarantee for preserving human rights must be the ingrained fostering of democracy–which serves the interests of individuals and the society. At the same time–Armenia’s civil and presentable image will open myriad doors for development and international cooperation.
Fellow Armenia’s:
Numerous generations of the Armenia’s–including our generation–have waged a heroic struggle in the name of human and national rights. And today we mark the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the conviction that there are no alternatives to human rights and freedoms.
We are walking on the path of freedom.