Yerevan, September 21 – Aram Vardevanyan, a prominent lawyer and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, firmly declared that the Armenian Declaration of Independence is not a source of conflict, but rather a profound articulation of the dream and vision for the future of Armenian statehood. This statement was made during an open discussion on the topic “Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Armenia and National Interests.”
The Absurdity of Labeling a Birth Certificate as Conflict-Generating
Vardevanyan emphasized the absurdity of presenting the Declaration of Independence as conflict-generating. “Imagine if someone’s birth certificate was considered conflict-generating – the certificate that contains your date of birth, name, surname, patronymic. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? But we are currently living in such a reality,” Vardevanyan noted.
He highlighted that in international practice, states consistently take pride in their declarations of independence, as they represent the legacy of the founding fathers of the state. “In our case, it is the same – its form, its content. Of course, perceptions change over time, but there must be national goals, values, and aspirations that will be eternal,” he added.
National Goals Under Scrutiny
According to Vardevanyan, the current situation has reached a point of absurdity where the very concept of “national goals” is considered problematic. This statement comes as Armenia celebrates its Independence Day on September 21st, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Supreme Council on August 23, 1990, which laid the foundation for the independent statehood of the Republic of Armenia. On September 21, 1991, the parliament decided to hold a referendum throughout the republic, where an overwhelming majority of the population – 94.39 percent of eligible voters, or 2.043 million people – voted “Yes” for independence.
Prime Minister Pashinyan’s Controversial Stance
This discussion follows a controversial statement made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on March 19, where he declared that the Armenian Constitution should no longer mention the Declaration of Independence, labeling it a declaration of conflict and dependence. This perspective has sparked considerable debate and concern among various segments of Armenian society, including political figures, legal experts, and the general public.
A Declaration of Dreams and Future Vision
Vardevanyan’s remarks underscore the deep-seated belief among many Armenians that the Declaration of Independence is a foundational document embodying the nation’s aspirations for self-determination and a prosperous future. He argues that interpreting it as a source of conflict misrepresents its true essence and historical significance. The Declaration, in his view, is a testament to the collective will of the Armenian people to forge their own destiny and build a sovereign state.
The Importance of Enduring National Values
The Deputy Speaker stressed the importance of preserving and upholding national values and aspirations that transcend temporal changes. While acknowledging that societal perceptions evolve, he asserted that certain core principles enshrined in the Declaration should remain constant and serve as guiding pillars for the nation. The debate surrounding the Declaration highlights a broader struggle over national identity, historical interpretation, and the future direction of Armenia.
Public and Political Reactions
The Prime Minister’s comments have elicited strong reactions, with many viewing them as an attempt to undermine the historical foundations of Armenian statehood. Conversely, supporters of Pashinyan’s stance may argue for a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy and regional relations, suggesting that certain historical narratives could be perceived as obstacles to peace and stability. However, Vardevanyan’s counter-argument emphasizes the intrinsic value of the Declaration as a symbol of national unity and aspiration.
Looking Ahead: Upholding the Spirit of Independence
As Armenia navigates complex geopolitical challenges, the interpretation and significance of its Declaration of Independence remain central to its national discourse. Vardevanyan’s intervention serves as a reminder of the enduring power of foundational documents to shape a nation’s identity and guide its future. The ongoing dialogue reflects a critical moment for Armenia as it seeks to balance historical legacy with contemporary realities, all while striving to uphold the spirit of independence that was so decisively affirmed by its people decades ago.
Source: https://golosarmenii.am/arm/%D4%B1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B4-%D5%8E%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%E2%80%A4-%D5%80%D5%80-%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%B0%D5%BC%D5%B9%D5%A1/
