Today, the world marks International Day of Families. In my opinion, this is one of the most important and symbolic days for humanity. For Armenia, the family as an institution has gained even greater significance in recent years.

When the state, the country, the nation suffer blows – in the form of war and heavy losses – the family becomes our fortress and the backbone that preserves our strength. When public solidarity is undermined, when fundamental values are threatened, the family becomes the greatest value based pillar of our society. In these difficult times, it is precisely the family that is the strongest anchor of our society.

I deeply wish that we, as a society, could become like a strong family. That we treat all members of our Armenian society as members of a family – forgiving, tolerant, loving, and supportive. After all, our country is so small that this would not be difficult at all, provided there is political will and awareness.

Care for families must also be demonstrated, especially during the electoral period, when all participants in the political process are in a very fragile state. I made a decision long ago, and I never break it: not to target the family members of political opponents, especially if they are not involved in specific political processes. I will not deviate from this decision, and I will keep our electoral campaign free from any such manifestations.

Instead, I want tolerance, civilised debate, and mutual care – like in a large family – to be at the core of all our campaigns. Our country is moving towards positive change through these elections. We must lead our large family – our society – in a healthy and stable manner into this new, bright period.

Peace and prosperity to all families.