Today, August 23, marks the 25th anniversary of adoption of the Declaration of Armenia’s Independence.

On August 23, 1990, the Supreme Council of Armenia adopted the Declaration thus proclaiming the start of formation of an independent state.

In an interview with Tert.am, Aram Manukyan, who read out the Independence Declaration 25 years ago, said that he feel s both proud and sorry every time he thinks of the document because it is not being properly presented to generations.

“The document was the result of the national liberation movement of the Soviet times, when the Supreme Council elected by means of free elections unanimously adopted a historical document that has never been criticized by anyone nor can it be,” he said.

Regrettably, the document has been in oblivion for the last 15 years.

“The values incorporated in it have not at all been a prayer book or ideal for authorities because authorities are living in an entirely different world with entirely different values.  Those who adopted the document lived an entirely different world with entirely different moral values,” Mr Manukyan said.

Speaking of the historic significance of the document, Mr Manukyan said:

“The historical value of the document is that its 12 provisions contain about 40 principles that are our people’s dreams collected in one document.”

A year later, on September 21, 1991, the Supreme Council of Armenia decided on a referendum on secession from the Soviet Union and Armenia’s state independence. 94.99% of Armenian citizens voted for independence.

Source: tert.am