Armenian citizens are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the country's independence. An independence referendum was held in the Republic of Armenia on September 21, 1991, and was to determine if voters were in favor of independence from the Soviet Union. Two days later, on September 23 the Supreme Council of Armenia declared it an independent state.
On August 23, 1990, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was renamed the Republic of Armenia after its sovereignty was declared by the Supreme Council.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan received a congratulatory message from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
"Deeply rooted in history, relations between Armenia and Russia are developing in the spirit of strategic partnership, enriched with promising projects in different sectors. It is largely facilitated by our States’ integration-driven close cooperation in the Eurasian Economic Union, CSTO and CIS.
I am convinced that aimed at addressing urgent issues of regional and international relevance, through joint efforts we will provide for the development of the whole complex of strategic relations and constructive cooperation. This undoubtedly is in the best interest of the fraternal peoples of our two countries.
Dear Serzh Azatovich, I wish you good health, happiness and every success. Also, I wish peace, prosperity and progress to all your citizens,” ARKA cited the message as saying.
US President Barack Obama also sent a congratulatory message to President Sargsyan.
“Dear Mr. President, on behalf of the United States, I congratulate you and the people of Armenia as you celebrate 25 years of independence this September 21.
The United States has been a steadfast partner of Armenia from the first days of its independence. We remain committed to the promise of those early years, when Armenians proudly raised their tricolor flag for the first time since 1920. Today, we again affirm our belief that a secure, prosperous, and democratic Armenia is essential for the security for the Armenian people and for the region more broadly.
We thank Armenia for its support of our shared goals, particularly its response to the Syrian refugee crisis and its contributions to global peacekeeping operations and nuclear security. We will continue to work together to help Armenia realize its full potential.
I wish you and the people of Armenia all the best as you celebrate 25 years independence,” the US President’s congratulatory message says.
French President Francois Hollande noted in a congratulatory message to President Serzh Sargsyan.
“On the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Armenia, I am pleased to extend to you, as well as the whole Armenian people my best wishes for happiness, prosperity and success.
Armenia can be proud of the path covered during 25 years of independence, where it often met with numerous challenges and a difficult regional environment. I know that the people of Armenia will be able to continue with their efforts toward stability, democracy and development.
As you may know, our historically deeply-rooted relations are dear to me. Rest assured, Mr. President, I will advocate and support any link that binds our two countries.
In conclusion, let me reaffirm my commitment to finding a fair and lasting settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As I had the opportunity to tell you during our Warsaw meeting on July 9, I am ready to host a meeting in Paris with a view to consolidating the ongoing peace process and discussing measures for the advancement of this extremely lengthy conflict,” the message of the French President reads.
