“Don’t stop and don’t despair”: Gagik Tsarukyan sends message from prison

PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan addressed citizens from the Kentron Penitentiary Institution.

“When a person has a lot of free time at some point in their life, they begin to think about what they have done and what they haven’t. Right now, using this free time, I am reflecting on what I have done, what I could have done, and what I haven’t done. And these thoughts give me confidence and optimism.

All my life I have built. I built in Armenia. I did not take what belonged to others, nor did I encroach on others’ property. I built, restored, and revived enterprises that were in a state of disrepair. In Armenia, I have built factories, hotels, buildings, sports complexes, roads, the Olympic complex, educational institutions, and now, a statue of Christ that will have no equal in the world.

My biography, the surname Tsarukyan, and the words “creation and construction” have become inseparable. Many know that my day begins with visiting construction sites of various facilities. It’s in my blood, it’s a matter of character. I regret nothing and repent of nothing. As long as I have strength, I will continue to build. And I will build specifically in Armenia. Why do I emphasize this?

I have listened to statements by officials of a neighboring state about Armenia, new demands, new threats. And the first thought that comes to me is to build in Armenia. As long as God gives me strength, I will keep building. Then my sons and my grandchildren will build. Even if two hundred years pass, something good will be created in Armenia for the Nation and the Country.

Whether it’s a church, a factory, or a school, on the wall it will be inscribed: “Built by Tsarukyan.” A few months ago, during a meeting abroad, a representative of one of the world’s best universities officially proposed that I open a branch of their university in Armenia. Everyone was amazed. No other country in our region has received such a proposal. I instructed my colleague, who was present at that meeting, to begin negotiations and work in this direction. Now I say the same thing: don’t stop and don’t despair.

No matter the difficulties, don’t stop. I will not gain a single kopek of profit from this project. But Armenia will gain enormous benefit. Continue this work. Let’s continue working for the sake of our country. Only by creating and building up Armenia can we make it prosperous,” he wrote.