BY ARA KHACHATOURIAN
On August 23, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia adopted Armenia’s Declaration of Independence, ending decades of Soviet rule and beginning a new chapter in our storied history.
The following day the country became the Republic of Armenia and a year later, on Sept. 21, 1991 Armenia became an independent nation.
During the past 22 years, Armenia has weathered storms and seen achievements, none of which would have been possible without the document, whose anniversary we mark today.
The challenge for the future will be to adhere to the provisions of the Declaration of Independence.
One of the important provisions of Armenia’s Declaration of Independence states: “All citizens living on the territory of Armenia are granted citizenship of the Republic of Armenia. Armenians of the Diaspora have the right of citizenship of Armenia. The citizens of the Republic of Armenia are protected and aided by the Republic. The Republic of Armenia guarantees the free and equal development of its citizens regardless of national origin, race, or creed.”
22 years have passed since that historic day. We have had 22 years to experience growing pains, mature and advance. 22 years later, we must ask ourselves what can be done to accelerate the process of adhering to the principles put forth in the Declaration of Independence.
Today, we will celebrate this historic day, and reflect on the events—good and bad—that have shaped our nation. But, tomorrow the real task of salvaging our nation should begin with the participation of each and every Armenian throughout the world.
I salute to Armenia and her Declaration of Independence! I just wish that the government of Armenia will act solely for and behalf of the people of Armenia, to do away with the so called oligarchial existence, so that the majority of the people of Armenia would benefit from her country’s resources and goodwill.
this is the time to reflect upon our past and congratulate the declaration and independence of Armenia.
I am lucky to have had a father who instilled in me hope, enthusiasm and glass half full mentality at all times. I remember growing up most of my friends were skeptical and thought we would never see independence in our lifetime. Who would’ve thunk that one day the soviet Union would disintegrate, basically without bloodshed and too much upheaval. They say time solves a lot of ills. So here we are after twenty two years. We have a long way to go, nevertheless we are here to stay.
May God keep on blessing our Hayasdan and Artsakh.
I think talk about salvaging our nation is a bit too late. 22 years later we’re no better off than before. The Soviet corrupted mentality is still alive and well. Nothing has changed. In order to progress forward, we must first have the courage to admit our faults and build from there, otherwise the next 22 years will also be a waste of time.
I understand you Hratch, What we need in Armenia of today is a government that is uncorrupted and very patriotic to bring prosperity and goodwill mentality for the entire population in our Motherland; otherwise we will regress and already the majority of the population is elsewhere, either in Los Angeles or Russia to have better jobs and be prosperous. It’s truly a shame that both the Diaspora and today’s government in Armenia are not getting together to make dramatic changes for the benefit of both our states. As it is, the Diaspora will assymilate within 200 years. Our only hope for any existence as a nationality are Armenia’s Republic and Artsakh.
200 years? That’s being more than a bit optimistic. What do you mean by assimilation anyway? Being able to speak “kitchen” Armenian? Doing a circle dance at an Armenian picnic? The vast majority of the global Armenian community existing today is just that – global and trans-national. Let’s face facts. Not even 1% of Armenians living outside of Armenia and/or Artsakh will ever relocate to within those borders. So I suppose that we better redefine what it means to be “Armenian” in the 21st century and beyond.