This day in history: Declaration of Independence of Armenia signed 26 years ago

YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS. 26 years ago on this day the Declaration of Independence of Armenia was adopted by the Supreme Council of Armenia, which was the beginning of Armenia’s independent statehood.

According to the Armenian SSR Supreme Council’s decision, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was renamed to Republic of Armenia, and the acting Supreme Council of the 12th convocation was considered as Armenia’s first convocation Supreme Council.

The declaration includes 12 statements. The document was read at the Supreme Council session by lawmaker Aram Manukyan, and Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Vazgen I blessed the people’s decision.

Roughly after a year since the declaration was adopted, an independence referendum was held in Armenia on September 21, 1991. As a result, 94, 99 percent of Armenian citizens voted “Yes” for independence.

The referendum results were announced by Babken Ararktsyan in the Parliament.