"I view the 5th All-Armenian Journalists Conference entitled “Challenges of the 21st Century: Information Security and Armenian Journalism” and held in the capital of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic as an important initiative and thank you all for bringing to life that wonderful idea," Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said during a meeting with journalists from Diaspora in Goris.

The Armenian President noted that precise and timely information has become a powerful weapon in the 21st century: its pinpointed application may become decisive for the course of events. "From this point of view in all our activities, aimed at the realization of national goals, we attach utmost importance to the Armenian-language journalism and to the publications by our journalists in the world's leading mass media. The role of the Armenian journalism is greatly stipulated also by the necessity to assist in addressing national issues, particularly, for the task of the world-wide preservation of the Armenian identity.

Journalistic mission is indispensable for the establishment, strengthening and development of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh - second Armenian state - as well as for its international recognition. It should be not forgotten that victories won on the battle fields must be enforced by the victories on the diplomatic arena. At the same time, the role of the Armenian and Diaspora mass media, as well as publications by the Armenian journalists in foreign media is essential for withstanding adversary propaganda and introduction of the issue to the international community. The conference held in Stepanakert presented an excellent opportunity to thoroughly study Artsakh, to learn it from inside, to comprehend Artsakh's problem and appreciate the worries of the people of Artsakh. I am confident that you will write many pages and create numerous stories on this account," said Mr. Sargsyan.

He also noted that further progress in the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide can also be expedited only through the increased involvement of media. "Mass media can considerably promote just and fair resolution of the Armenian Cause and efficient organization of lobbying activities. It is also apparent that the media outlets working in Diaspora bring significant input to the task of preservation of the Armenian identity, preservation and dissemination of national culture. We still have a lot to do for the creation of the common All-Armenian information field, for addressing existing problems and withstanding emerging challenges," the Armenian President said.

Mr. Sargsyan went on saying: " I understand all too well that to publish, preserve and disseminate Armenian periodicals in foreign countries requires great sacrifice; it also means to become organizers and leaders of community life, to engage in the preservation and spread of our amazing mother tongue, hold on to the Armenian identity and Armenian spirit, to have individual profile, national roots, Armenian mentality and eventually to become safeguards of spiritual, historical and cultural heritage of different parts of our nation, promoters of national values, re-inventors of national traditions and facilitators of national development. We are aware of all the difficulties you face, problems that emerge every day. Those are problems which are first of all related to the challenges that Armenian communities come across in Spyurk; however there are also problems that should be and could be solved through our joint efforts, in close cooperation with the Armenian government. We are also inspired to see that new Armenian outlets emerge in different parts of the world, including those are being published in foreign languages. This is a nice tendency indeed. We need to get stronger on the international information field - both qualitatively and quantitatively. We counter and will continue to counter lies and falsifications and black propaganda subsidized with the petromoney of our neighbor with our world-wide human potential, and we will prevail because lies and falsifications don't get far. We don't have to persuade ourselves that the international recognition of Artsakh's right for self-determination has no alternative. But foreigners do need truthful and unbiased information. We don't have to beautify reality in Artsakh or the Republic of Armenia; however we should be able to prevent picturing everything black. Neither beautification, nor blackening - simply present the existing reality - this is the task that we have to complete together."