Gentlemen generals, officers, ensign, soldiers, honorable battle-comrades, dear compatriots, the year of 2009 has come to an end. Like every year, this year, too, the preparations of the AF were filled with various events and programs. And we can assure that it has been a year of achievements for us. In 2009 the RA AF were guided by the following slogan: “New quality to the RA AF, and a new course to the defence reforms.” The defence reforms were aimed at keeping our Armed Forces in accordance with the modern demands and creating such a defence system, which will be capable of responding to any crisis conditions. The structural reforms in the Armed Forces made a clear distinction between the functions of the Ministry and the GS, which enabled us to improve the modern strategic planning process under the defence strategic review process.

Indeed, the most important issue of our AF is the realization of the teaching and educational function. Thus, I might say, that the educational process is a most important path, where we have paid more attention to the readiness of the management system and managing organs. The operative-tactical, tactical and staff commanders’ military exercises, staff trainings and the commanders’ military readiness trainings have shown that the theoretical and practical knowledge of our commanders and chiefs has increased – today they fulfill the organization, preparation and managements of the modern infantry battle process. We have paid serious attention to the individual readiness of our militants, because it is due to the battle expertise, knowledge, skills and capabilities of each individual that the work of military-units, detachments and formations becomes harmonized and efficient. And we have increased the capabilities of the troops solve realize the unique issue which is present in our Armed Forces today. By guarding our borders on the frontline we have realized an issue, which is aimed at ensuring peace for the people. I might say that another peaceful year passed in general and united conditions. Serious attention has been paid to the improvement of the AF recruiting system – first of all the staffing system. The drafting conditions have been improved. We pay special attention to recruiting officers of modern capabilities in our Army. The AF is being staffed with professional sergeants – it is to say, we are gradually increasing the professional element in the Army. Great attention has been paid to the issues of logistics as well. By satiating and modernizing the armaments and new military equipment today we assure the compliance of the armaments and equipment of our AF with the contemporary military requirements – we do everything not to fall behind the leading armies of the world. The social-economic issues have also been in the centre of our attention. Around 400 militants have had a house-warming in the course of this year. And over 400 families of war-victims and the first, second, third degree disabled have received compensations or their housing conditions have been improved. We will continue this course in the coming year as well, because the RA Government pays serious attention to the societal issues of our militants and individuals who are equalized with them. One of the most important issues is the development of the public affairs sector. We believe that today the Army ought to be open to the public, indeed, taking into consideration the confidentiality demands. We have sought to strengthen the links with schools and higher educational institutions. By this we can increase the reputation and honor of the AF in the public, amongst our compatriots, for everyone ought to be ready for the defence of our motherland. 2010 should be a year of more consistent work. Of course we are to follow the same slogan, however, we will emphasize that in the AF 2010 is announced to be a year of knowledge and we believe that the theoretical knowledge of each individual, translating into skills and abilities, must increase the fighting capabilities of our AF. Dear compatriots, first of all I would like to congratulate our battle comrades. I also want to congratulate the families and relatives of the war-victims, the missing, and the disabled. We are to continue the work of our battle comrades and we will take it to the end! I want to address my words to the Armenian people – the Army will fulfill its task, and we will make sure that the year of 2010 is a year of peace! I especially want to congratulate our youth – the future is in their hands – only due to their bold initiatives can we keep the fighting capacity of our AF and can ensure the prosperity of our motherland. Dear co-servers – generals, officers, contractors, ensigns, and soldiers – I wish you a happy New Year. Above all I wish you success and happiness, warmth in your families, and I pray for you to be happy first of all in your families. And this happiness will convey to our AF, ensuring continual success. I think that on these days of New Year, especially at the night of New Year, each of our compatriots will take a glass and first of all remember the soldiers guarding our borders, thanks to whom we were, are and will be able to ensure the peaceful labor of our compatriots. Marry Christmas and a happy New Year and may 2010 be a year of peace, success and nationwide achievements.