What did we get out of independence?
Preparations for celebrations dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia's independence are underway at Republic Square.
Several guests have already arrived in Armenia to participate in the celebrations. The guests and citizens of Armenia say independence was the greatest achievement of all Armenians.
"I have been visiting Armenia for the past twenty years after independence and I notice many positive changes despite the people's complaints," U.S. citizen Raffi Hairian told "A1+", adding that democracy is all a country needs in order to become a full-fledged state.
Sydney-based Tom Arustamian has his own way of understanding what gaining independence means. "Nations have to pay a certain price for independence, and evidence of that is the recent wave of revolutions for independence taking place in several countries. I think Armenia is on the right path, but it still has a long way to go."
Young Diaspora Armenian Vazken Ghazarian said he was interested in the festivities.
"Armenians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, and one of them is Independence Day. This year we will celebrate it with more motivation since it is the 20th anniversary," mentioned Vazken.
Citizen of Armenia Khachik Harutyunyan assesses Armenia's achievements as the Armenians' cherished dream come true.
"Our nation has had that desire for centuries. Independence gave us the right to be on the map, but there were also many flaws. We weren't able to show the abilities that a country that has adopted the course of democracy was supposed to show."
However, the representatives of the independence generation are not too content with the state of affairs. "What is the difference? Is the country dependent on the Russians or the oligarchs? As I take a look around me, I realize that nobody is in his place. I know so many good experts who are unemployed, but the people working in their places don't even have an idea of what they're doing," said 15-year old Tsovinar whose friend, Kristine suggested making efforts to change the situation instead of complaining.
Many citizens simply expressed longing.
"I personally didn't get anything good out of independence. The Soviet Union was closer to real democracy than this "independent state". The super powers led the country to independence. They divided to rule," said Artsakh war participant, Alfik Tonoyan.
