RA President Vahagn Khachaturyan sent a congratulatory message on the 33rd anniversary of Armenia's adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
"Dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,
On August 23, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR adopted the Declaration of Independence, starting an irreversible process that culminated in the September 21, 1991, Independence Referendum. The Declaration of Independence was the fundamental document by which our people declared their determination to achieve their dream of independent, sovereign, and free statehood.
Independence, however, is not an abstract dream or a final destination but a continuous, daily work, effort, dedication, and creative process.
For 33 years now, our statehood has been on the difficult path of having its place on the world's political map, building a free and democratic country, and overcoming the obstacles of wars, economic blockades, and many internal and external challenges.
Dear compatriots,
Independence is a non-negotiable idea, and the Declaration of Independence is an ever-present document symbolizing the revival of statehood. The Declaration is the basis of all the Constitutions of Armenia, the most crucial plan for the organization of the state and public life of our country, which reflects our primary tasks: the establishment of state institutions, increasing the combat capability of the Armed Forces, the creation of a quality education system and a competitive economy, the rule of law, the fundamental freedoms of man and citizen and ensuring rights".