Addressing representatives of various organizations that initiated volunteer activities in the social, security, information and other spheres during the post-war period, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian thanked them for their efforts and stressed the need for continued national unity.

Sarkissian said that the country will face “increased difficulties” and that the national approach to the state and statehood must be changed to meet them.

“We must be able to show that we are a strong people, worthy of our ancestors. When you are strong, organized, you will always win,” Sarkissian said, without elaborating.

“The development model must be formed correctly. We have lived in a closed model for 30 years. I have always believed in the open model,” Sarkissian said.

Stressing the importance of education in the 21st century, Sarkissian said the thousands of well-educated Armenian young people abroad must be involved in the process.

Sarkissian also called for the integration of “the best people from the diaspora” in all sectors of life in Armenia. He did not elaborate.

Pointing out that governance in Armenia is “personified” and that people are looking for “saviors”, Sarkissian said that stronger monitoring of all sectors in the country is vital.

“When you personify an institution with a this or that individual, the outcome is disastrous. We need leaders, not saviors. You are young, each of you is a leader,” Sarkissian said.

While Sarkisian has called for a transitional government, he again stated today that he will not seek the post and he will not form a political party.

He said that given the country's current crisis, the office of the president has become more important and that he has enough responsibilties on his plate.