EDITORIAL: Facing the Challenge of Strengthening Armenia’s Independence

For nations and communities, the pursuit of independence is considered the ultimate goal in the realization of their national aspirations.

Thirty-five years ago, on September 21, 1991, the people of Armenia chose their path through a referendum, joining the community of independent nations. Since that day, Armenia has sought, step by step, to achieve full sovereignty, enabling it to secure the development and prosperity of the country.

During these 35 years of independence, the Armenian people have endured numerous trials: the First Artsakh War; the years of cold and darkness; mass emigration; the tragic events of October 27 and March 1; the looting and squandering of state resources; the transfer of strategically important state institutions and assets to another country; fraudulent elections; popular uprisings and revolution; and the Second Artsakh War and its defeat. All these events unfolded before the eyes of many of us and will be recorded in the pages of our history.

Today, we face a new challenge—the challenge of strengthening our independence. Until 2020, we had become accustomed to our existing situation. We had failed to recognize the extent of our dependence on a single country and center of power. In our economy, armed forces, foreign policy, gas supplies, export markets, and many other areas, Armenia was dependent on one country, which was regarded as our sole ally and guarantor of our territorial integrity.

The events of recent years have shaken our convictions and shattered our expectations, compelling us to reassess the assumptions and judgments that had taken shape in our minds. Armenia’s future development, the improvement of the people’s standard of living, the strengthening of the armed forces, and the consolidation of democracy require new thinking and new geopolitical approaches.

Independence is strengthened when Armenia pursues a multi-vector foreign policy, developing relations with Europe, America, and Russia as well, based on the principles of mutual respect and equality.

Independence is strengthened when Armenia is able to acquire weapons from India, France, and numerous other countries in order to rearm and modernize its national armed forces, so that they become the guarantor of the protection and inviolability of the country’s borders, without having to rely on others.

Independence is strengthened when Armenian products reach foreign markets and the economy ceases to be entirely dependent on a single country that uses economic leverage as a means of imposing its will.

Independence is strengthened when steps toward diversification are taken in all directions.

Independence is strengthened when forces serving the interests of other countries cease to exist—forces that are prepared to sacrifice the sovereignty of the homeland for the sake of narrow partisan political interests.

It is often said that preserving independence is more difficult than achieving it. Today, Armenia is engaged in the struggle to preserve its independence and, on that foundation, to build a stronger, more developed, prosperous, and democratic country.

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary, we look to the future with optimism and confidence, and on the horizon we see brighter and more promising days ahead for our homeland and our people.

“MASSIS”