Will bring you the latest from Yerevan for 25th anniversary of Independence of Armenia on September 21. if any of you happen to be in Yerevan we would like to see you.
25th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ARMENIA the Almost 300 events in Armenia’s Independence 25th anniversary
Artur Boghosyan the Armenian Deputy Minister of Culture said that Yerevan and in the regions close to 300 different events are scheduled for the 25th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Armenia. The Ministry of Culture has long reflected on the content and purpose of these cultural, artistic and others.
“We realized that to best represent the cultural achievements of these years of independence, the best was to present by a classical music concert performed by this generation of young people born in the years of independence. And from all regions of Armenia we brought together 700 young people from 7 to 20 years and formed the orchestra and the chorus of “Independence Generation” told the Deputy Minister of Culture. At the concert on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of independence will be performed songs and music performed by singers and composers dedicated to Armenian independence.
Krikor Amirzayan
The independence of Nagorno Karabakh is indisputable and irreversible
On the occasion of 25 years of independence of Nagorno Karabakh, the Friendship Circle expresses support for this young Republic of South Caucasus and the democratic way in which it is committed
The Circle of Friendship warmly welcome 25 years of regained freedom by karabaghiote population, freely constituted in the Republic since September 2, 1991. He himself expresses sincere encouragement to continue the efforts it has undertaken to ensure full exercise of its inherent right to happiness.
The Circle emphasizes that despite the years of war that were imposed following the declaration of independence, “is now a generation of Karabaghiotes who grew up in an independent Republic and which do not imagine for a moment relapsing into servitude previously lived by his elders. “ The Circle believes that independence is an achievement now “indisputable and irreversible.”
“We support the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh because we support international law,” said François Rochebloine, president of the Circle who went on to say “but mainly because we defend the inalienable right to life and security “populations at risk.
The Circle of Friendship considers the aggression led by the Baku regime in April 2016 confirms the permanence of the threat Azerbaijan on peace and regional security. He also believes that the failure of this invasion attempt as the graduated nature of the military response karabaghiote demonstrate all the maturity and sense of responsibility of government institutions of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“This war four days perfectly illustrated how the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is concerned about the lives of its citizens,” said François Rochebloine in his congratulatory message, concluding that “support Nagorno-Karabakh is support democracy and support democracy means supporting peace and prosperity recovered. “
On the occasion of the Independence Day, the Circle of Friendship France-Karabakh reiterates its call for full recognition of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh by the international community.
Saturday, September 3, 2016,
Stéphane © armenews.com
Stéphane © armenews.com
Karabakh: Quarter Century of Independence
On September 2, 2016, Armenians will mark the 25th anniversary of the proclamation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh).
On that day in 1991, its Parliament adopted the Declaration of Independence. And on December 10 of the same year, the people of Artsakh confirmed, through a referendum, the proclamation of NKR independence.
But a quarter century after gaining independence, and despite numerous achievements, Nagorno-Karabakh still faces major challenges.
EU Frank Engel: KARABAKH independence should be recognized
“I once again declare that the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic should be recognized,” said member of the European Parliament, Frank Engel during a briefing after his speech at the Second Global Forum against the Crime of Genocide.
He said that Artsakh is an independent country and the international community should recognize it as such.
“I’m going now to meet the President of Armenia and express my position,” Engel said.
1000s of people rally in Spain’s Basque to demand independence
About 11,000 people from the indigenous Basque ethnic group have staged a rally in a northern Spanish city, calling for independence for the autonomous Basque region from Spain.
The protesters, carrying Basque flags and giant banners reading “Independence”, marched in the northern city of Pamplona in a rally organized by the Basque Independentistak (“Independence”) movement on Sunday to mobilize support for the region’s independence.
Basque has its own distinct language and culture as well as autonomy in policing and taxation.
“What we are proposing is to follow the unilateral way,” Txutxi Ariznabarreta, one of the leaders of the movement said, adding, “And that is a very important step strategy and that strategy requires people on the march.”
Spain’s Constitutional Court has already rejected a self-determination referendum for Basque.
An independence drive by Catalonia, another autonomous Spanish region, also gained momentum in recent years before becoming less assertive again.
In November 2014, Catalonia’s President Artur Mas staged a symbolic independence referendum after the government in Madrid blocked his bid to hold an official referendum. Nearly 80 percent of the 2.2 million people who took part in the vote backed secession, though the turnout was slightly more than 40 percent.
Obama, Hollande Among World Leaders Marking Armenia’s Independence
Monday marked the Republic of Armenia’s 24th Independence Day, and several world leaders joined the occasion by sending congratulatory messages to President Serzh Sarkisian and the Armenian people.
U.S. President Barack Obama sent the following message to Sarkisian.
Dear Mr. President,
On behalf of the American people, I extend warm congratulations as you celebrate your Independence Day this September 21.
The bonds between the United States and Armenia are strong and lasting. The resilience, hospitality, and creativity of the Armenian people have won you admirers the world over, among them the United States.
Armenia is an important partner with which we share a dynamic and expanding agenda. We are grateful for Armenia’s contributions to peacekeeping operations, including in Lebanon and Kosovo. We also welcome this year’s establishment of the U.S.-Armenia Council on Trade and Investment, which will further strengthen the economic ties between our two countries.
As you celebrate 24 years of independence, I wish you and the people of Armenia the best on this Independence Day and a successful year to come.
French President Francois Hollande also sent a congratulatory message to President Sarkisian, which read as follows.
Mr. President,
I am glad to send you and the entire Armenian people my wishes of happiness, well-being and success as you celebrate the national holiday of the Republic of Armenia.
I am happy that I joined the Armenian people in Yerevan on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide Centennial on April 24.
That exciting ceremony fraught with an atmosphere of wisdom and unity showed Armenia’s willpower to create a brilliant future without burying in oblivion its historical tragedies.
I would like to reassure you that imbued with its special ties with the Armenian people, France will continue its friendship, solidarity and support of Armenia. Particularly, as a Minsk Group Co-Chair, France will continue its consistent mediatory efforts aimed at the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, hoping that the progress made at the Paris summit in October 2014 will contribute to the urgent settlement of the issue.
Please accept, Mr. President, the assurance of my highest consideration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also congratulated Armenia on its 24th Independence Day.
In a congratulatory address, Putin stressed the successful and comprehensive development of Armenian-Russian relations and hailed the willingness of Armenian partners to further reinforce the mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, the OSCE, and the CIS.
Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to continue to help Armenia in solving its urgent social-economic issues and voiced his confidence that the framework of allied relations and their constructive cooperation on regional issues would continue to develop.
Meanwhile, President Joachim Gauck of the Federal Republic of Germany sent a the following congratulatory message to President Sarkisian.
Mr. President,
On September 21, the Republic of Armenia celebrates the 24th anniversary of its independence. I am sending you and the Armenian people my own and my countrymen’s heartfelt best wishes on the occasion of this special day.
In 2015, a significant year of commemoration for your country, Germany continues to stand beside Armenia as a partner. Since the restoration of Armenia’s independence, the close and trustful relationship between our two countries has experienced rapid and comprehensive development which is vividly illustrated by close bilateral contacts in the areas of culture and science.
In foreign policy affairs Germany supports Armenia’s readiness to continue its political and economic affinity for the European Union within the frame of the Eastern Partnership. By that your country shows that it is possible to simultaneously intensify relations with the European Union, as well as with the Russian Federation and with its the Eurasian partners. My heart wishes for the urgent and peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as for mutual understanding between Armenia and Turkey. In both cases Germany will continue its efforts to support dialogue.
I wish well-being and health to you, and a bright future filled with peace, freedom and prosperity to the Armenian people.
Canadan Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined the chorus of celebration by issuing the following statement on Armenia’s Independence Day.
I am pleased to extend my best wishes to the Armenian community in Canada and around the world celebrating the 24th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence.
In a referendum held on September 21, 1991, Armenians voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union. Canada was among the first Western nations to recognize Armenia as an independent state.
Since that time, Canada and Armenia have enjoyed strong bilateral relations and strong people-to-people ties, supported by Canada’s Armenian community, which has contributed significantly to the economic, cultural and social fabric of our great nation.
In recognition of this, we were proud to announce last week that a re-elected Conservative government will establish a new Trade and Consular office in Armenia.
Moreover, this past April, the Honourable Chris Alexander travelled to Yerevan, Armenia to participate in events commemorating the Armenian Genocide Centennial on behalf of our Conservative government, which coincided with our government’s initiative to designate April as ‘Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month.’
Once again, I wish all Armenian citizens and people around the world of Armenian heritage a happy Independence Day.
Queen Elizabeth II congratulated the Armenian President on the occasion of 24th anniversary of Independence of Armenia
Queen Elizabeth II has sent to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, a message on the occasion of 24th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia.
“It is a joy for me to congratulate you on the occasion of your national holiday day. I wish the people of the Republic of Armenia best wishes, wishing happiness and a prosperous future, “wrote Queen Elisabeth II. Recall that today September 21, Armenia celebrates the 24th anniversary of its independence achieved after a vote by universal suffrage, with nearly 94% of votes in favor of this independence.
Krikor Amirzayan
France Hollande has sent a message of congratulations to his Armenian counterpart on the occasion of 24th anniversary of Independence of Armenia
On the occasion of 24th anniversary of Independence of Armenia, French President Francois Hollande has just addressed to his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan a message of congratulations. Francois Hollande said in his message “On the occasion of National Day of the Republic of Armenia, I address with joy to you as to the whole Armenian people, my good wishes of joy and success. I am pleased to have been April 24 in Yerevan along with the Armenian people on the occasion of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the genocide. In a solemn atmosphere and unity these moving ceremonies demonstrated the willingness of Armenia to strive for a bright future without forgetting the tragedies of history. I wish to assure you once again preferred and exceptional relations with the Armenian people. France will continue its friendly relations and to provide support and strengthen its cooperation with Armenia. Particularly as co-chair of the Minsk Group France will continue with determination its mediation efforts for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh hoping the summit in October 2014 in Paris will help to advance in the settlement. “
Krikor Amirzayan
To safeguard border and appreciate independence – festive greetings by heads of border communities
Like most of the cities, towns and villages across Armenia, the town Noyemberyan, which is in the north-eastern border region Tavush, is also celebrating the 24th anniversary of independence today.
The day here began with a festive army parade, attracting crowds of people, also from the neighboring communities, as well as their mayors.
All the community governors affirm that there is presently no tension along the border, with the population being in a festive spirit.
Speaking to Tert.am, Samvel Saroyan, the mayor of the border village Chinari, said that they heard gunshots from Azerbaijani defense positions for more than an hour on Sunday evening, adding that the Armenian side managed to counter-react and silence the adversary. He added that like every other year, this time too, they are planning different events, including a visit to a memorial to heroes killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh war, as well as a concert in the village’s club.
The village mayor said he is sure that independence is the value to which everybody would unconditionally say ‘yes’ also today in case of a referendum. “I can say for sure that the my community, which is close to the border, would say ‘yes’, because we are obliged to preserve what we have achieved at the cost of victims and blood not to let our generations blame us in future,” he added.
The mayor said he has only one good wish: peace to the country and bravery and vigilance to the soldier “to preserve our independence and become make us more powerful.”
Speaking to our correspondent, the mayor of the border Koti, Felix Melikyan, said confirmed that the situation along the border border is calm today, with the festive spirit dominating the community.
Mikaelyan said he clearly sees that the younger generation is more devoutly dedicated to independence. “With its mental abilities and patriotism, they are a step ahead of us. With my congratulations, I want to say that independence is both our national value and a pride for which each of us is responsible,” he added.
According to Narek Sahakyan, the mayor of the border village Baghanis, the mentality that September 21 is limited only to being a non-business day no longer exist. The village mayor, who considers himself a representative of the independence generation (he was born in 1986), say he strongly believes that the idea is far more deeply rooted in the young people. “I am sure of that. There’s no alternative to independence and our status,” he said.
The mayor of Voskevan says he finds independence an achievement by the present-day generation.
“All I wish is patience and only patience. All the rest is temporary. With patience, we will overcome everything,” Seryozha Alexanyan told our correspondent
To understand the value of independence, one needs to only come and maintain vigil on the border for just an hour, says Arthur Madatyan, the mayor of the village Berkaber. “I would like the entire Armenian nation to stand by its land as firmly and solidly as do the people of Berkaber,” he added.