24th Anniversary of the Independence of the RA: Armenian Dreams Always Come True

• 09.22.2015, 13:20
• Greta Avetisyan
•  "Insight" Analytical Center ,  Armenia,  Analytics

This year the Republic of Armenia celebrates the 24^th anniversary of its Independence. 24 years ago Armenians chose their path – to be independent, free and sovereign. Armenians decided that such a nation, which has centuries long history, culture deserves to have its state, they deserve to be called the citizens of the Republic of Armenia.

On August 23, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia adopted Armenia’s Declaration of Independence.  "The Armenian SSR is renamed the Republic of Armenia (Armenia). The Republic of Armenia shall have its flag, coat of arms, and anthem.The Republic of Armenia is a self-governing state, endowed with the supremacy of state authority, independence, sovereignty, and plenipotentiary power.Only the constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia are valid for the whole territory of the Republic of Armenia…" the Declaration says.

The independence referendum took place a year later, on September 21, 1991. According to the Helsinki Commission, which monitored the referendum, 95 percent of eligible voters participated in the referendum and 99 percent of them voted "Yes" for the independence of Armenia. The question of the ballot was "Do you agree that the Republic of Armenia should be an independent and democratic republic outside the USSR?" Residents of Armenia, over the age of 18 were eligible to vote after showing their internal passports.

"The pro-independence mood was so strong that turnout was not only high, it was quick. By the time the first observers reached the first village they visited, most eligible voters had already cast their ballots… All the people encountered were without exception joyful on the occasion of the referendum and were, in fact, using the day for a city – or village-wide celebration…" the report prepared by the Staff of the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1991 says.

Even some 2-3 sentences of this report show how Armenians were waiting for this day, how important was having an independent Republic.

The first and the most important gain of the new-born Republic was the creation of its army. On January 28, 1992, the Government of Armenia adopted the decision on the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, and this became the beginning for the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces, which during these 24 years was able to become stronger enough to confront the opponent, when there is such a need.

The Republic of Armenia is a member of various international organizations, cooperates with such world powers as the US, Russia, the EU, China. Being included in Eastern Partnership program of the EU, Armenia made great progress in terms of strengthening its democracy, implementing necessary reforms for meeting the EU requirements. Armenia had already completed negotiations for pre-signing the Association Agreement with the EU. However, the document was not signed, as Armenia chose to more strengthen its economic relations with Russia. Thus Armenia joined the Eurasian Economic Union and now is its full member. When Armenia chose this path the whole world and its own society was blaming Armenia for preferring Russia to Europe, claiming that this will lead to regress in democracy in Armenia. However, the Republic of Armenia with its actions proved that it conducts "and…and" politics. Strengthening its positions in the EEU, Armenia will soon receive a mandate from the EU Member States to start negotiations for a new EU-Armenia agreement, the basis of which will be the already negotiated Association Agreement.

The main obstacles that hinder rapid development of Armenia are the still unresolved Karabakh conflict and the denial of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey.

In terms of Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan continues its offensive not only on NKR-Azerbaijan border, but also on Armenia-Azerbaijan border, thus periodically intensifying the situation and causing security problems. However, due to our army and soldiers, who are ready to protect their homeland even by putting their lives under danger, we believe that this also will not make us stop and not go ahead.

As for the denial of the Genocide by Turkey and its hostile policy towards Armenia, then here again we see a country, the Big brother of Azerbaijan, which not only does not want to face the history, but continues infusing hatred towards Armenians among the Turkish society.

 Being surrounded by enemies is not that easy to develop, as it is quite difficult to breath freely. However, we understand it quite well that it is not the Azerbaijani or Turkish society that should be blamed for creating such a tense situation in the region, but rather their authorities.

Armenia, Armenians have seen a lot of difficulties, but we have proved many times that these difficulties make us even stronger, make dream, believe and fulfill our dream. One of such dreams was to have Independence - we have it now. No one doubts that our other dreams will also very soon become realities.