September 21 was a real celebration
Nineteen years ago this day citizens of Soviet Armenia took a historical decision by choosing independence as the only possible status and the unwavering course for the country's future development.
Armenia's Declaration of Independence was adopted on 1991 August 23 during the first session of the Supreme Council of Armenia. By the decision of the parliament, a referendum on declaring independence from the USSR was held on September 21, 1991.
The free, transparent referendum was held according to the Soviet Electoral Code with 117 observers from 25 countries and 94.99 percent of citizens voting "yes" for independence.
On September 23, the Supreme Council declared Armenia as an independent, sovereign state.
The results of the referendum were announced from the high podium of the parliament by Babken Ararktsyan, the decision of Armenia's Supreme Council on RA Independence was read by deputy Aram Manukyan and Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I blessed the citizens' decision.
September 21, 1991 was a day of a pan-national celebration at Republic Square and the Armenian nation had been waiting for this celebration for a long time.
