Armenia

“This is the policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the people of Artsakh” -Arman Tatoyan

Guest:

• Arman Tatoyan , is the former ombudsman of the Republic of Armenia. Currently actively pursues human rights for Armenians in the republics of Armenia and Artsakh, especially through his foundation, the “Tatoyan” Center for Law and Justice.

Topic:

This is Day 9 of the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan.

As we are recording this discussion, more than 120 thousand people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 9 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked

“This is the policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the people of Artsakh” -Arman Tatoyan

Guest:

• Arman Tatoyan , is the former ombudsman of the Republic of Armenia. Currently actively pursues human rights for Armenians in the republics of Armenia and Artsakh, especially through his foundation, the “Tatoyan” Center for Law and Justice.

Topic:

This is Day 9 of the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan.

As we are recording this discussion, more than 120 thousand people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 9 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked

Guest:

• Hrant Mikaelian , a political scientist and multidisciplinary researcher in social sciences based in Yerevan. He is also a senior researcher at the Caucasus Institute.

“The full state-led attack against Artsakh and Armenia, which no-one in Europe condemned, was a case where the military solution worked. From 2020 onwards, many actors in the world see that you can attack and get away with it.”

Topic:

This is Day 8 of the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. 120 thousand people are effectively being held hostage by the regime in Baku.

Groong and 168 Hours are continuing our

Guest:

• Hrant Mikaelian , a political scientist and multidisciplinary researcher in social sciences based in Yerevan. He is also a senior researcher at the Caucasus Institute.

“The full state-led attack against Artsakh and Armenia, which no-one in Europe condemned, was a case where the military solution worked. From 2020 onwards, many actors in the world see that you can attack and get away with it.”

Topic:

This is Day 8 of the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. 120 thousand people are effectively being held hostage by the regime in Baku.

Groong and 168 Hours are continuing our

Guest:

• Arthur Khachikyan , PhD is an International Relations expert from Stanford University, specializing in Intervention. He currently teaches at the Russian Armenian University in Yerevan.

Topic:

We’re going on to Day 6 of the Artsakh Blockade by Azerbaijan, and Groong and 168 Hours are teaming up to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious issue, a major humanitarian crisis in Artsakh in progress.

“We somehow have this complex. We think we’re the sleeping beauty and the west is going to come and save us. And every time that it

Guest:

• Arthur Khachikyan , PhD is an International Relations expert from Stanford University, specializing in Intervention. He currently teaches at the Russian Armenian University in Yerevan.

Topic:

We’re going on to Day 6 of the Artsakh Blockade by Azerbaijan, and Groong and 168 Hours are teaming up to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious issue, a major humanitarian crisis in Artsakh in progress.

“We somehow have this complex. We think we’re the sleeping beauty and the west is going to come and save us. And every time that it

Guest:

• Hakob Hakobyan

«Սա պետք է ոգևորի և ոգեշնչի յուրաքանչյուր հայի և պետք է նոր թափ հաղորդի մեր այն 30 տարիների պայքարին, որը դեռևս չենք ավարտել:»

Episode 184 | Recorded: December 15, 2022

Guest:

• Hakob Hakobyan

«Սա պետք է ոգևորի և ոգեշնչի յուրաքանչյուր հայի և պետք է նոր թափ հաղորդի մեր այն 30 տարիների պայքարին, որը դեռևս չենք ավարտել:»

Episode 184 | Recorded: December 15, 2022

Guest:

• Gev Iskajyan

For three days now the campaign instigated by the government of Azerbaijan has prevented the freedom of movement of Armenians of Artsakh. Gas supplies have also been cut off.

“Artsakh is still Armenian land. Artsakh is still an independent republic. Artsakh is not gone. … We have to hold on to what remains of this land here.” - Gev Iskajyan

Episode 183 | Recorded: December 14, 2022

Guest:

• Gev Iskajyan

For three days now the campaign instigated by the government of Azerbaijan has prevented the freedom of movement of Armenians of Artsakh. Gas supplies have also been cut off.

“Artsakh is still Armenian land. Artsakh is still an independent republic. Artsakh is not gone. … We have to hold on to what remains of this land here.” - Gev Iskajyan

Episode 183 | Recorded: December 14, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Lachin Corridor Blockade
• Continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
• Turkish-Azerbaijani Military Exercises
• Travel Impressions from the region

Episode 182 | Recorded: December 13, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Lachin Corridor Blockade
• Continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
• Turkish-Azerbaijani Military Exercises
• Travel Impressions from the region

Episode 182 | Recorded: December 13, 2022

Guest:

• Arthur G. Martirosyan

Topics:

• Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • CSTO Debacle
  • Lavrov Bombshell
  • Lachin Corridor Blockaded
  • Brussels Summit Canceled
• Artsakh President Lays off Government
• Parliamentary Opposition Fragmenting

Episode 181 | Recorded: December 6, 2022

Guest:

• Arthur G. Martirosyan

Topics:

• Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • CSTO Debacle
  • Lavrov Bombshell
  • Lachin Corridor Blockaded
  • Brussels Summit Canceled
• Artsakh President Lays off Government
• Parliamentary Opposition Fragmenting

Episode 181 | Recorded: December 6, 2022

Guest:

• Dr. Anna Karapetyan

Topics:

• What’s Armenia’s Goal in pushing the CSTO in a direction that it won’t go?
• What Came Out of the CSTO Summit in Yerevan?
• What is the Level of Trust between the CSTO and Armenia?
• How should Armenian proceed in Relations with the CSTO?
• Does Armenia have Alternatives?

Episode 180 | Recorded: December 5, 2022

Guest:

• Dr. Anna Karapetyan

Topics:

• What’s Armenia’s Goal in pushing the CSTO in a direction that it won’t go?
• What Came Out of the CSTO Summit in Yerevan?
• What is the Level of Trust between the CSTO and Armenia?
• How should Armenian proceed in Relations with the CSTO?
• Does Armenia have Alternatives?

Episode 180 | Recorded: December 5, 2022

Guest:

• Hrant Mikaelian

Topics:

• How is Armenia’s Economy Doing?
• Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations
• French Senate Slams Azerbaijani Occupation of Armenia
• The Opposition Returns to Parliament

Episode 179 | Recorded: November 21, 2022

Guest:

• Hrant Mikaelian

Topics:

• How is Armenia’s Economy Doing?
• Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations
• French Senate Slams Azerbaijani Occupation of Armenia
• The Opposition Returns to Parliament

Episode 179 | Recorded: November 21, 2022

Guest:

• Gev Iskajyan @GevIskajyan

Topics:

• November 10 as perceived by Artsakhtsis
• Update on the status of refugees
• Update on the economy of Artsakh
• Rally at the Renaissance Square
• Generating and communicating support for Artsakh

Episode 178 | Recorded: November 14, 2022

Guest:

• Gev Iskajyan @GevIskajyan

Topics:

• November 10 as perceived by Artsakhtsis
• Update on the status of refugees
• Update on the economy of Artsakh
• Rally at the Renaissance Square
• Generating and communicating support for Artsakh

Episode 178 | Recorded: November 14, 2022

Guests:

• Arthur Khachikyan
• Gev Iskajyan @GevIskajyan

Topics:

• November 10 “Ceasefire”
  • We’ll talk with our guests in Yerevan and Stepanakert about their perceptions of where we are in terms of ceasing fire, two years later.
• The Peace is Dead, Long Live the Peace
  • We’ll talk about increased war rhetoric from Azerbaijan, threatening Armenia, Russia, Iran, and anyone else who comes to Armenia’s aid. With the pressure increasing and Aliyev’s two-month deadline approaching, we’ll investigate the possibility of renewed war.

Episode 177 | Recorded: November 14, 2022

Guests:

• Arthur Khachikyan
• Gev Iskajyan @GevIskajyan

Topics:

• November 10 “Ceasefire”
  • We’ll talk with our guests in Yerevan and Stepanakert about their perceptions of where we are in terms of ceasing fire, two years later.
• The Peace is Dead, Long Live the Peace
  • We’ll talk about increased war rhetoric from Azerbaijan, threatening Armenia, Russia, Iran, and anyone else who comes to Armenia’s aid. With the pressure increasing and Aliyev’s two-month deadline approaching, we’ll investigate the possibility of renewed war.

Episode 177 | Recorded: November 14, 2022

Guest:

• Harut Sassounian @HarutSassounian

Topics:

• What is HyeID , what problems is it trying to address?
• Organizations and models for Diaspora representation
• Funding and operations
• Outreach to the Diaspora and the Armenian government
• Current State of the project

Episode 176 | Recorded: November 12, 2022

Guest:

• Harut Sassounian @HarutSassounian

Topics:

• What is HyeID , what problems is it trying to address?
• Organizations and models for Diaspora representation
• Funding and operations
• Outreach to the Diaspora and the Armenian government
• Current State of the project

Episode 176 | Recorded: November 12, 2022

Guest:

• Arthur G. Martirosyan @ArthurMartirosyan

Topics:

• Latest “Peace” Developments
  • Border Delimitation Discussions in Brussels
  • Meeting of the Foreign Ministers in DC
• Bellicose Statements Between Azerbaijan and Iran
• Ruben Vardanyan Takes Over as State Minister of Artsakh

Episode 175 | Recorded: November 8, 2022

Guest:

• Arthur G. Martirosyan @ArthurMartirosyan

Topics:

• Latest “Peace” Developments
  • Border Delimitation Discussions in Brussels
  • Meeting of the Foreign Ministers in DC
• Bellicose Statements Between Azerbaijan and Iran
• Ruben Vardanyan Takes Over as State Minister of Artsakh

Episode 175 | Recorded: November 8, 2022

Guest:

• Arthur Khachatryan @Arthur.Khachatryan

Topics:

• Massive Stepanakert Rally
• Sullivan Plan vs. Russian Plan
• Upcoming Protest on November 5

Episode 174 | Recorded: November 3, 2022

Guest:

• Arthur Khachatryan @Arthur.Khachatryan

Topics:

• Massive Stepanakert Rally
• Sullivan Plan vs. Russian Plan
• Upcoming Protest on November 5

Episode 174 | Recorded: November 3, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Massive Stepanakert Rally
• The Sullivan Plan
• CSTO Security Council Convened
• Trilateral Summit in Sochi
• From Sochi to Tehran

Episode 173 | Recorded: November 1, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Massive Stepanakert Rally
• The Sullivan Plan
• CSTO Security Council Convened
• Trilateral Summit in Sochi
• From Sochi to Tehran

Episode 173 | Recorded: November 1, 2022

Guest:

• Harut Sassounian

Topics:

• What is the background of Armenia-Diaspora relations against which this conference is taking place?
• Why did the government need this event right now, and is this the right time?
• Who was invited, who was not? Why?

Episode 172 | Recorded: October 29, 2022

Guest:

• Harut Sassounian

Topics:

• What is the background of Armenia-Diaspora relations against which this conference is taking place?
• Why did the government need this event right now, and is this the right time?
• Who was invited, who was not? Why?

Episode 172 | Recorded: October 29, 2022

Guests:

• Arthur Khachikyan
• Yeghia Tashjian @Yeghig

Topics:

• Monitors in Armenia
• Russia-West Rivalry in the South Caucasus
• Armenian-Iranian Relations
• Maritime Agreement between Israel and Lebanon
• State of Lebanon’s Presidential Election

Guests:

• Arthur Khachikyan
• Yeghia Tashjian @Yeghig

Topics:

• Monitors in Armenia
• Russia-West Rivalry in the South Caucasus
• Armenian-Iranian Relations
• Maritime Agreement between Israel and Lebanon
• State of Lebanon’s Presidential Election

Guests:

• Ardashes ‘Ardy’ Kassakhian is a Glendale City Councilman, and the current mayor of Glendale
• Adrin Nazarian is the California State Assemblymember from the 46th District, representing the San Fernando Valley

Topics:

• On the LA City Council scandal and how to move forward
• On Paul Krekorian, elected LA City Council president
• On redistricting in the aftermath of the scandal
• On the effect of the scandal on the LA mayoral race
• On Armenia’s Situation in the South Caucasus
• On Armenia’s Negotiations with Azerbaijan
• On Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”

Episode 170 | Recorded: October 19 & 20, 2022

Guests:

• Ardashes ‘Ardy’ Kassakhian is a Glendale City Councilman, and the current mayor of Glendale
• Adrin Nazarian is the California State Assemblymember from the 46th District, representing the San Fernando Valley

Topics:

• On the LA City Council scandal and how to move forward
• On Paul Krekorian, elected LA City Council president
• On redistricting in the aftermath of the scandal
• On the effect of the scandal on the LA mayoral race
• On Armenia’s Situation in the South Caucasus
• On Armenia’s Negotiations with Azerbaijan
• On Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”

Episode 170 | Recorded: October 19 & 20, 2022

Guests:

• Hrant Mikaelian
• Artur Papyan
• Yeghishe Zakunts
• Naira Melikyan

Topics:

• Census in progress in Armenia
• Meetings in Astana
• Developments in Iran
• Armenian websites compromised
• Remembering the TsOR artillery unit

Episode 169 | Recorded: October 17, 2022

Guests:

• Hrant Mikaelian
• Artur Papyan
• Yeghishe Zakunts
• Naira Melikyan

Topics:

• Census in progress in Armenia
• Meetings in Astana
• Developments in Iran
• Armenian websites compromised
• Remembering the TsOR artillery unit

Episode 169 | Recorded: October 17, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Goals and Tactics of Azerbaijan’s Negotiations
• How did “Corridors” Become a Thing?
• Russia’s Contributions to the process
• Options and Scenarios Going Forwards

Episode 168 | Recorded: Friday, October 14, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Goals and Tactics of Azerbaijan’s Negotiations
• How did “Corridors” Become a Thing?
• Russia’s Contributions to the process
• Options and Scenarios Going Forwards

Episode 168 | Recorded: Friday, October 14, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Meetings in Prague
• Pashinyan Consolidating Power
• Personal Rants

Episode 167 | Recorded: October 10, 2022

Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Meetings in Prague
• Pashinyan Consolidating Power
• Personal Rants

Episode 167 | Recorded: October 10, 2022

Guest:

• Aram Suren Hamparian
• Rouben Galichian
• Tevan Poghosyan

Topics:

• US-Armenia Relations
• Azerbaijan’s Maps and Claims
• Azerbaijan Continues to Occupy Armenia
• Internal Politics in Armenia

Episode 166 | Recorded: October 1 & 3, 2022

Guest:

• Aram Suren Hamparian
• Rouben Galichian
• Tevan Poghosyan

Topics:

• US-Armenia Relations
• Azerbaijan’s Maps and Claims
• Azerbaijan Continues to Occupy Armenia
• Internal Politics in Armenia

Episode 166 | Recorded: October 1 & 3, 2022

Guests:

• Arthur G. Martirosyan
• Karen Vrtanesyan
• Suren Sargsyan

Topics:

• Azerbaijani Aggression
• Russia and CSTO
• UN & International Reaction
• War Communications (with Karen Vrtanesyan)
• Nancy Pelosi’s Visit (with Suren Sargsyan)

Episode 165 | Recorded: Sunday, September 18, 2022

Guests:

• Arthur G. Martirosyan
• Karen Vrtanesyan
• Suren Sargsyan

Topics:

• Azerbaijani Aggression
• Russia and CSTO
• UN & International Reaction
• War Communications (with Karen Vrtanesyan)
• Nancy Pelosi’s Visit (with Suren Sargsyan)

Episode 165 | Recorded: Sunday, September 18, 2022

From ‘revolution’ to war: deciphering Armenia’s populist foreign policy-making process Conversation with Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan

Armenian News Network/Groong - September 12, 2022

Recently two AUA professors (Prof. Hovhannes Nikoghosyan and Prof. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan) published a paper in Taylor and Francis Online (TANDF) that analyzes the foreign policy decision making (FPDM) process of the Nikol Pashinyan administration, titled: “From ‘revolution’ to war: deciphering Armenia’s populist foreign policy-making process”. In this episode, we talk to one of the authors

From ‘revolution’ to war: deciphering Armenia’s populist foreign policy-making process Conversation with Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan

Armenian News Network/Groong - September 12, 2022

Recently two AUA professors (Prof. Hovhannes Nikoghosyan and Prof. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan) published a paper in Taylor and Francis Online (TANDF) that analyzes the foreign policy decision making (FPDM) process of the Nikol Pashinyan administration, titled: “From ‘revolution’ to war: deciphering Armenia’s populist foreign policy-making process”. In this episode, we talk to one of the authors

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 11, 2022

Topics:

• Latest MPG and IRI Poll Results
• What’s Up with the Armenian Economy?
• US Armenia Relations
• Geopolitical Developments

Index: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:52 Guests 00:01:18 Topics 00:02:20 Greetings 00:02:24 MPG and IRI Poll Results 00:21:54 Armenian Economy Dynamics 00:37:13 US-Armenia Relations 00:48:06 Geopolitics, the War in Ukraine 00:55:14 Rants, Personal Statements 00:56:17 Good byes 00:56:27 Closing comments

Guest:

• Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@hrant_m
• Suren Sargsyan - TW/@S_A_Sargsyan

Guest(s):

• Hrant Mikaelian
• Suren Sargsyan

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 11, 2022

Topics:

• Latest MPG and IRI Poll Results
• What’s Up with the Armenian Economy?
• US Armenia Relations
• Geopolitical Developments

Index: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:52 Guests 00:01:18 Topics 00:02:20 Greetings 00:02:24 MPG and IRI Poll Results 00:21:54 Armenian Economy Dynamics 00:37:13 US-Armenia Relations 00:48:06 Geopolitics, the War in Ukraine 00:55:14 Rants, Personal Statements 00:56:17 Good byes 00:56:27 Closing comments

Guest:

• Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@hrant_m
• Suren Sargsyan - TW/@S_A_Sargsyan

Guest(s):

• Hrant Mikaelian
• Suren Sargsyan

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 4, 2022

Topics:

• September 2: Artsakh Independence Day
  • September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before 2020, this would be a festive holiday. This year, there were protests in both Yerevan and Stepanakert as well as visits to the gravesites of fallen heroes.
• Developments in Geopolitics
  • There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan and Aliyev met

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 4, 2022

Topics:

• September 2: Artsakh Independence Day
  • September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before 2020, this would be a festive holiday. This year, there were protests in both Yerevan and Stepanakert as well as visits to the gravesites of fallen heroes.
• Developments in Geopolitics
  • There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan and Aliyev met

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - August 29, 2022 Conversation with Anna Abrahamian

In the spring and summer of 2022 the Armenian parliamentary opposition was in the streets of Yerevan in large numbers, with a goal to remove the de-facto prime minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. That failed, or at least did not achieve all of the goals it had set for itself.

Especially as we near the end of August and the protests are set to restart, we’re analyzing what didn’t work, and how to take more effective steps forward. We want to look at specific issues such as whether to move for

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - August 29, 2022 Conversation with Anna Abrahamian

In the spring and summer of 2022 the Armenian parliamentary opposition was in the streets of Yerevan in large numbers, with a goal to remove the de-facto prime minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. That failed, or at least did not achieve all of the goals it had set for itself.

Especially as we near the end of August and the protests are set to restart, we’re analyzing what didn’t work, and how to take more effective steps forward. We want to look at specific issues such as whether to move for

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - August 21, 2022

Topics:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:02 Opposition movement restarts
• 25:28 Berdzor & Aghavno handover
• 34:43 “Peace Plan” coming?
• 49:54 Newly proposed military service avoidance law
• 54:15 Rant

Guest: Dr. Arthur Khachikyan

Guest(s):

• Arthur Khachikyan

Hosts:

Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 160 | Recorded: Sunday, August 28, 2022

Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220828.html

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - August 21, 2022

Topics:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:02 Opposition movement restarts
• 25:28 Berdzor & Aghavno handover
• 34:43 “Peace Plan” coming?
• 49:54 Newly proposed military service avoidance law
• 54:15 Rant

Guest: Dr. Arthur Khachikyan

Guest(s):

• Arthur Khachikyan

Hosts:

Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 160 | Recorded: Sunday, August 28, 2022

Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220828.html

Aid to Nagorno Karabakh Effectively Blocked - August 25, 2022 A Conversation with ARAM SUREN HAMPARIAN

Topics:

• The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Has Called on Congress to Investigate the Biden Administration’s Artsakh Aid Blockade.
• The Biden Administration’s Record on Armenian-Backed Resolutions.

Guest:

• Aram Suren Hamparian is the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America.

Guest(s):

• Aram Suren Hamparian

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
• Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 158 | Recorded on Thursday, August 25, 2022 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20220825.html

Aid to Nagorno Karabakh Effectively Blocked - August 25, 2022 A Conversation with ARAM SUREN HAMPARIAN

Topics:

• The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Has Called on Congress to Investigate the Biden Administration’s Artsakh Aid Blockade.
• The Biden Administration’s Record on Armenian-Backed Resolutions.

Guest:

• Aram Suren Hamparian is the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America.

Guest(s):

• Aram Suren Hamparian

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
• Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 158 | Recorded on Thursday, August 25, 2022 Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20220825.html

Armenian News Network/Groong - August 23, 2022

On August 23, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic proclaimed Armenia as independent.

True, Armenia officially celebrates independence day on September 21, due to the referendum which was held on Sep 21 1991, the following year. But for me, the date of August 23 - the date of the proclamation of the declaration of independence - is no less special.

For it is this document comprised of 12 articles that form the basis for all laws in Armenia and for the constitution itself. From the need to establish historic justice,

Armenian News Network/Groong - August 23, 2022

On August 23, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic proclaimed Armenia as independent.

True, Armenia officially celebrates independence day on September 21, due to the referendum which was held on Sep 21 1991, the following year. But for me, the date of August 23 - the date of the proclamation of the declaration of independence - is no less special.

For it is this document comprised of 12 articles that form the basis for all laws in Armenia and for the constitution itself. From the need to establish historic justice,