Today marks the 25th anniversary of the historic referendum that overwhelmingly approved Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union and effectively re-established the Republic of Armenia.

It is a day of great pride, but also of abiding responsibility.  We celebrate this day nationwide, across the globe, and take stock of our accomplishments and shortcomings.

The valor of our people and soldiers has liberated Artsakh and protected our frontiers.  We have together created the foundations of our renewed nation-state.

Most unfortunately, though, our Republic continues to come up short on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.  Falsified elections, endemic corruption, and the old Soviet practice of keeping political prisoners continue to this day.  Such injustice has led to increased public poverty and expanding emigration.

This reality is unacceptable and has nothing to do with the blessing of independent statehood.  The Armenian people deserve better.

Delivering a new Armenia―truly free, fair, and sovereign―remains the challenge of our generation.

Congratulations.

Heritage Party

Raffi K. Hovannisian, Chairman

21 September 2016

Yerevan