Pashinyan congratulates Armenia on Independence Day, mentions Almaty Declaration again

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated his fellow citizens on the country's Independence Day, reiterating the importance of the peaceful development of the region and touching on the Almaty Declaration, adopted in December 1991, on the basis of which Yerevan recognised Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

In his video message, Pashinyan said that “he has often been criticised for taking this declaration as a basis for his foreign and regional policy. However, the problem is that the Almaty Declaration and related documents are one of the main factors of Armenia’s independence and to refuse them means to jeopardize the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country”, Caliber.Az reports citing the Armenian media.

The prime minister also stated that Armenia and its people are going through a difficult period today, namely, “physical and psychological suffering” adding that all this is necessary to build a prosperous, developing country living in peace and stability.

“Many people think that it is inappropriate to talk about peace in a tense regional situation amid periodic hostilities. However, it is necessary to attach special value to this peace. Peace should not be confused with a ceasefire or truce. Peace is an environment without interstate or interethnic conflicts. This is a difficult path, there are trials ahead, but we must go through it,” Pashinyan added.

Armenia celebrates the 32nd anniversary of the declaration of independence on September 21.