YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–110th anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation was marked at the "Moscow" Cinema on Friday February 2. Opening remarks were made by Armen Rostoumian–Representative of ARF Armenian Executive Council of Armenia.
Armenian Parliament Speaker Armen Khatchatrian praised the ARF’s efforts over the past 110 years–especially its activities in Armenia’since independence.
The main speaker of the event was ARF Bureau Representative Hrant Markarian who stressed that ARF’s existence is directly tied to Armenia and to the Armenian people. As a political force–the ARF was able to prevent Armenia from being drawn into World War I and also to prevent complete extermination of the Armenian nation. The part was able to establish an independent republic–which became the foundation for a free–independent–united Armenian state.
Markarian affirmed the ARF’s continued support to President Kocharian as long as the leader upheld promises made during his campaign.
In regards to the Karabakh issue–the ARF leader stressed no concessions would be made on Karabakh’s Armenian identity. The continued occupation of Shahoomian and Kedashen is also not to be tolerated by the party. The right to repossess the Mardagert highlands was also mentioned. The ARF also considers self-rule by the Armenia’s in Javakhk a must. Even though good relations between Armenia and Georgia are desired nevertheless–Javakhk’s autonomy should not be compromised. This is especially important since the cultural rights of Javakh’s Armenia’s are often looked over. The poor socio-economic conditions of the region present a danger in the eventual emigration of the Armenian population.
In his conclusion–Markarian stated that the reunification of Armenia and the freedom and justice sought by our nation is the ultimate goal of the party.