President Vahagn Khachaturyan's congratulatory address on the 33rd anniversary of adoption of the Declaration of Independence of Armenia

Dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

on August 23, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR adopted the Declaration of Independence, initiating an irreversible process that culminated in the Independence Referendum on September 21, 1991. The Declaration of Independence was the fundamental document through which our people declared their determination to achieve their centuries-old dream of independent, sovereign and free statehood.

However, independence is not an abstract dream or a final destination but an ongoing, daily endeavour, effort, dedication and a process of creation.

For 33 years now, our statehood has taken the difficult path of securing its unique place on the political map of the world, building a free and democratic country, overcoming the obstacles of wars, economic blockade, and a number of internal and external challenges.

Dear compatriots,

Independence is a non-negotiable idea, and the Declaration of Independence is a perpetually relevant document and a symbol of the revival of statehood. The Declaration is the backbone of all the Constitutions of Armenia, the key plan for the organization of the state and public life of our country that reflects our primary tasks, namely, establishing state institutions, enhancing the combat capability of the Armed Forces, establishing a quality education system and a competitive economy, ensuring rule of law, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.