To head of the "Mesrop Mashtots" expedition Zori Balayan,
captain of the "Armenia" sailing vessel Samvel Karapetyan,
members of the crew
Dear members of the round-the-world voyage,
I cordially congratulate you on the successful completion of the first stage of your voyage. It has provided great inspiration in Artsakh becoming a topic of everyday discussions.
The initiative you have been carrying out is of special importance for the whole Armenian people and is the best manifestation of faith, courage, will, and unity of our people. The success of the voyage is not only stipulated by high professionalism of the crew but also by the fact that on the vessel you cherish as the apple of your eye sacred for our nation object - the Armenian cross, the alphabet of Mesrop Mashtots, the flags of the two independent Armenian states, and soil impregnated by the blood of glorious sons of our people.
I consider crucial you visits to the Diaspora centers and communities. Any such event gives invaluable impetus to the preservation of Armenian self-consciousness and identity strengthening Motherland-Diaspora ties.
I congratulate you once again and wish you robust health, favoring wind and safe return.
We are looking forward to meet you in Artsakh.
Bako Sahakyan
2009-12-14
