“This is the undisputed pinnacle of our achievements” – Ruben Rubinyan’s Independence Day message

President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan has issued a congratulatory message on the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

The message released by the National Assembly reads:

“Dear people,

I congratulate all of us on the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia.

This is the day of our greatest pride, the undisputed pinnacle of our achievements.

The Armenian people have never reconciled themselves to being without independence. Even in seemingly hopeless situations, we have kept the flame of freedom alive in our hearts, fought for it and, whenever it became possible, restored it. This is the best testament to the fact that we are truly a state-minded people.

This was also the case 35 years ago, when we broke the shackles of unfreedom and declared our will to live in a free and independent Armenia.

But we must admit to ourselves that, from the very first day, attempts have been made, both from within and from outside, to instil in us the idea that our independence is merely declarative, circumstantial, temporary or artificial. Attempts have been made to convince us that there is a ‘national interest’ more important than state independence, and that perhaps secure dependence is better than the sacrifices made for independence.

But even in the darkest moments, when it seemed that the best course was to surrender or relinquish independence, we, as a wise people, found sufficient strength for self-reflection to change the course of history and ensure the enduring nature of the independence of the Republic of Armenia – the light of our eyes, our most sacred treasure.

We did this with great difficulty, sacrifice, pain and blood, but we did it.

And now, with the long-awaited peace finally established, we can finally breathe freely, build and enjoy our peaceful life.

Glory to the fallen, and long live the Republic of Armenia.”