EDITORIAL: A MOMENTOUS ANNIVERSARY
asbarez
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
Armenia’s Tri-Color and Coat of Arms
The 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of Armenia’s independence
is an important milestone for the Armenian nation. Armenia’s
declaration of independence was not only a nail in the coffin of the
oppressive Soviet empire it was another chance for the Armenian nation
to assert its right to statehood. Today, the Republic of Armenia is
the epicenter of our national aspirations and the hope for justice
and historical retribution.
The Republic of Armenia is also the natural continuation of the heroic
stance of a generation that rose from the ashes of the Genocide and
valiantly fought to liberate Armenia from centuries of imperial rule
and create an independent republic in 1918.
The last 20 years have been dominated by challenges for the entire
nation and have elevated the will and determination of the Armenian
people to tackle those issues collectively, all for the cause of
strengthening the Armenian state.
Armenia’s statehood is sacred. In the last 20 years we have witnessed
events and turning points that have demonstrated the sheer resilience
of our people and instances that have tested the very foundations of
the state.
There’s no doubt that the positive achievements of the last 20 years
have indelibly strengthened the foundations of the Armenian state,
but it is how the critical challenges impacting the citizens of Armenia
have been tackled that will set the course for the future of our state.
What has been missing in the last 20 years is the voice of the lay
citizen. That voice has been muffled, often due to the critical
imperatives facing our nation, but more commonly because successive
government have perpetuated the Soviet model where the citizen had
no say in the state’s affairs. The glaring absence of that voice
from the national discourse has resulted in social inequality,
economic disparity and a disconnect with reality. The ruling
elite has encouraged the stifling of the voices and has looted the
nation’s wealth paving the way for mass emigration, which is the most
fundamental threat to Armenia’s national security.
This reality threatens democracy and the advancement of democratic
values. 20 year ago an overwhelming majority of Armenians voted
for independence in a referendum. That same resolute voice needs to
return to the people so they can be empowered to determine the future
of our state and our nation.
Let’s proudly celebrate the milestone that is the 20th anniversary of
the re-establishment of Armenia’s independence, but let us not lose
sight of the fact that confronting the challenges facing the Armenian
state requires national resolve and a collective commitment. Together
we can raise our voices against injustice, band to fights threats
foreign and domestic and make the dream of a United Free and
Independent Armenia a reality.
Happy Independence Day to the entire Armenian nation.