Dear Compatriots,

Honorable guests,

Today the bodies of the distinguished sons of the Armenian people who were wholeheartedly devoted to their nation will be laid to rest. The cruel fate has taken the lives of the people who have unreservedly dedicated themselves to the sacred task of creating prosperity to their homeland and entrenching the Armenian statehood.

Our grief is inconsolable. Armenia and the entire Armenian nation are suffering an irreparable loss. Words will not express the depth of our sorrow. The committed crime with its consequences will long stay as a severe wound.

The independent Republic of Armenia is enduring one of the most critical days of its history. The reputation of the entire nation has been tarnished. The pillars of Armenia's statehood have been undermined and human values shaken up.

Those savages who carried out this crime will answer not only before the law, but also before history, before future generations.

The names of Vazgen Sarkissian, Karen Demirjian, Juri Bakhshian, Rouben Miroian, Henrik Abrahamian, Armenak Armenakian, Michael Kotanian and Leonard Petrossian will forever stay in our memories. They have enjoyed the admiration and respect of the people, they lived difficult though happy lives, for it was their mission to serve the nation and the people. Wherever they tried themselves, be it at the battlefield or in times of peace, they always achieved success, resolving arduous, sometimes even seemingly insurmountable tasks, and inspiring the people with their will, single-mindedness and vigour.

The history will remember Vazgen Sarkissian as a statesman, who stood at the foundations of Armenia's independent statehood. He played a focal role in the creation of the National Army. With his life and unreserved dedication, Vazgen Sarkissian had unlimited influence on the processes of the strengthening of our country.

We bid farewell to Karen Demirjian, one of our most proficient political leaders, whose life has been exemplary in his high sense of statehood and dedication to the nation. The forty-five years of his work will forever remain in the memories of generations.

We must remember the deeds of our other deceased friends. We must also remember the wise counsel that unites them with those of us alive, and that it is our duty to serve without reserve to achieve the ultimate goal of creating prosperity for our nation and our people. Let us learn lessons from this tragedy, let us unite, join forces and strengthen the Republic of Armenia and the entire Armenian nation.

Once again, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and friends of the victims, to our people. Let us express our resolve to carry forward the mission of our brothers.

Dear compatriots,

The entire world is mourning with us today. Leaders of nearly all the countries of the world have conveyed their condolences to our people. Numerous foreign delegations have arrived here to share with us our grief. I express my deep gratitude to them.