Bush announced the decision in an address to the nation regarding the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Armenia celebrated the 25th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union with a military parade in Yerevan. There is also a painting exhibition and an open fair where you can taste Armenian food, wine, etc. To the west of Armenia is Turkey. Dr. Asbed Kotchikian looks back on the events that gave rise to the independence movement in Soviet Armenia in the late 1980s and the circumstances that shaped the newly independent republic after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yerevan hosted an OSCE field office from February 16, 2000 until its closure in August 31, 2017 when the Government of Azerbaijan denied the consensus required to renew the office’s mandate. As a result, Armenia declared its sovereignty on August 23, 1990. This figure dropped to 5,000 by mid-1993, but then increased to 9,000 by the end of 1993. Keeping in mind the various ancient and medieval kingdoms, dynasties and alliances, as well as the short-lived 1918 republic and even Soviet membership, the number of Armenias in history can go anywhere from five to ten. independence-minded Armenia to its knees. The population is approximately two-and-a-half million. More information about Armenia is available on the Armenia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet. Independence was declared on September 21, 1991, after the failed August Moscow coup. During the show, the Armenian Armed Forces showcased our newly acquired Iskander missile system. Both the young and the old take part in celebration events. History of Armenian Independence Day. Armenian is the country's official language of Armenia, while Russian is the second most commonly spoken language. However, despite this declaration, Armenia was not immediately recognized as an independent state, but continued to be considered as part of the Soviet Union. Aliyev told Moscow daily RBK. U.S.-ARMENIA RELATIONS The United States established diplomatic relations with Armenia in 1992, following its independence from the Soviet Union. Conflicts of the Nagorno-Karabakh district brewed more tension, as well as an earthquake, but Gorbachev was unable to address the needs of Armenia. It was not until December 26, 1991, when the Soviet Union was officially dissolved, that the independence of Armenia became internationally recogniz… Our country had both painful defeats and glorious victories throughout its history. Armenia country profile. Modern-day Armenia and Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union when it formed in the 1920s. Thousands of thousands of people gathered to see it and also celebrate the big day. Azerbaijan’s independence was lost on May 28 1920 as it became part of the Soviet Union for 71 years. Life was harsh. 1991 December - Armenia joins the Commonwealth of Independent States, the successor to the Soviet Union. A bad workman blames his tools: Armenian PM claims about Russian Iskander missiles attempt at deflection, based on misinformation ... Iskander-E, were first showcased in September 2016, during a military parade marking the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. An Armenian diaspora has existed throughout the nation's history, and Armenian emigration has been particularly heavy since independence from the Soviet Union. The continued dominance in Armenia's parliament of the ruling party, along with Moscow's subdued reaction, contrasts with the more tumultuous upheavals in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan. Following the declaration of its sovereignty, the country's title changed to the Republic of Armenia on August 23, 1990. Modern Armenia was a member of the Soviet Union before gaining its independence in 1991. The Soviet Union (full name: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or USSR) was a socialist state created by Vladimir Lenin in 1922. Armenia is among the first countries to embrace Christianity as a state religion. In 1992, the state-run industries, including agriculture, were immediately privatized as Armenia adopted a Western-style economic system. After Stalin's death, Moscow allowed greater expression of national feeling, but the corruption endemic in communist rule continued until the very end in 1991. That day undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of all Armenians around the world. Moldova was declared a sovereign state on June 23, 1990 but was officially known as the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova until … Internal unrest The nations which were part of the Union were dreaming of gaining Independence and Armenia was not an exception. Therefore, Armenians decided they needed to fight for their own wellbeing, and formed an independent army in 1990. According to the 1994 Yearbook of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), there were 23,000 Russian troops stationed in Armenia in mid-1992. However, the biggest celebration takes place in the Republic Square, where usually Armenian pop stars and dancers hold a concert in attendance of the president, prime minister and other officials. Late in the evening, locals and guests can enjoy a beautiful firework event. The Republic of Armenia today can be referred to as “the latest Armenia”. The central state holiday of the country is always celebrated magnificently. 1991 October - Levon Ter-Petrosian elected president. Armenia's thirst for independence began in the 1980s during the Gorbachev era, when the country began demanding better environmental management, especially in response to Soviet factories that were carelessly emitting pollutants. On March 4, 1922, Armenia became a founding member of the Soviet Union, and remained a part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991. Armenia is located on the Armenian Highlands of West Asia and shares its borders with Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iran. The Soviet Republic of Armenia was established on November 29, 1920; in 1922 Armenia became part of the Transcaucasian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic; and in 1936 this republic was dissolved and Armenia became a constituent (union) republic of the Soviet Union. - Sure - here you go! Kazakhstan The elegant styles of architecture and former mansions of the Russian elite gave way to bland and monotonous Stalinesque residential blocks. Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia and is part of West Asia. In 1990, the Soviet Union began to lose its power. Georgia South ... Armenia gains independence from the Soviet Union.. Dec 16, 1991. Independence is declared, but ignored by Moscow. Armenia Officials Reassert Independence : Soviet Union: A gradual move toward freedom is endorsed. Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia (Armenian: Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն, Hayastani Hanrapetut’yun), is a mountainous country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. The last years of communis… According to Aliyev, Putin rescued Armenia, which “depends on Russia 100%.”. A landlocked country with Turkey to the west and Georgia to the north, Armenia boasts a history longer than most other European countries. Yeltsin mission to solve Nagorno-Karabakh dispute encounters difficulties. Jan 1, 1918. Kazakhstan Levon Ter-Petrossian, who was the president of the Supreme Council at that time, signed the document, and Aram Manukyan proudly read the Declaration of Independence. During the rule of Joseph Stalin (in power 1926-53), Armenian society and its economy were changed dramatically by Moscow policy makers. The vanishing Soviet Union was wrenched by conflicting pressures Friday as another republic, oil-rich Azerbaijan, declared its independence, while two […] Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian Tuesday congratulated the Armenian people on the 19th anniversary of Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union, News.am reported. To this day, Armenians all over the world celebrate this monumental event after so many years of constantly being scrutinized and being dependent on other countries. Ter-Grigoryants and civilian officials in the Armen… The first Republic of Armenia was established in 1918 after the Russian Revolution. As a few people here already stated: Armenia changed for the absolute worst since so-called "independence". The celebrations begin early in the morning. 1922 - Union treaty formally joins Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Transcaucasus - which were divided in 1936 into Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan - into the Soviet Union. In February 1990, the pro-independence Sąjūdis movement won a two thirds majority in elections to Lithuania’s Supreme Soviet. After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Armenia declared its independence in 1918. On August 23, 1990, the Supreme Council validated the Declaration of Independence. In 1990, the Soviet Union began to lose its power. During the past year, the government and people of Armenia have taken bold steps to broaden political participation and advance democratic governance. Independence was declared on September 21, 1991, after the failed August Moscow coup. Asbarez.com 15 Must read articles . September 21, 1991, is one of the most remarkable days in our history. In this way, we showed the world our real strength. Now it's time for us to keep and develop our country. Since its independence from the Soviet Union, Armenia has been focusing on small-scale agriculture. Full-scale fighting erupted in 1992, with Russian, Ukrainian, Chechen and Afghan mercenaries being brought in to support the Armenian … Armenia joined the OSCE in 1992 shortly after gaining its independence from the Soviet Union. Armenia - Armenia - Independence: With the rise of the reformist Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Armenians organized a massive nationalist movement focused on recovering Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia. Jan 1, 1918. In 1991, Mikhail Gorbachov, who was the leader of the Soviet Union, made a final effort to prevent the inescapable fall of the Soviet Union. Into the Soviet Union. » Back to Armenian History Timeline home. The second phase of the development of the army began in 1992, several months after Armenia had declared its independence. Life was harsh. During its existence, the USSR was the largest country in the world. “When Pashinyan gave us an ultimatum, when he offended the feelings of Azerbaijanis, he deserved to have been punished for it. The terrain of Armenia is mostly mountainous, and is also endowed with a number of fast flowing rivers and a small forest cover. Each year the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church - Garegin II serves prayer in the Holy Cathedral of Echmiadzin which is the spiritual center of Armenia. This figure dropped to 5,000 by mid-1993, but then increased to 9,000 by the end of 1993. And we [punished him].”. The biggest festivities are usually held in the capital city, and traditionally, they start with paying tribute to the memory of those who gave their lives for freedom and independence of our country. 1991 October - Levon Ter-Petrosian elected president. Gaining Independence from the Soviet Union. Every year on that day, we celebrate the declaration of the Republic of Armenia and gaining its independence from the Soviet Union. The Armenian independence movement began as agitation on behalf of liberal democracy by writers, journalists, and teachers. Armenia joined the OSCE in 1992 shortly after gaining its independence from the Soviet Union. With only 11,500 square miles, Armenia is the smallest constituted republic of the USSR. Armenians Vote to Leave Soviet Union : Referendum: Small republic overwhelmingly favors independence. Armed conflict broke out in different parts of the union, and the majority of those killed were Armenians, and Armenians living in Azerbaijan were also forced to flee back to their motherland. The state has a unicameral parliament, the president serves as the head of state, and the prime minister serves as the head of government. Situated along the route of the Great Silk Road, it has fallen within the orbit of a number of cultural influences and empires. August 23,1990 – Armenia declares its independence from the Soviet Union. Armenia is a land of epic vistas, crumbling churches and many surprises Credit: AP/FOTOLIA. Content tagged with independence from the soviet union. On August 23, 1991, Armenia became one of the first republics to declare independence from the Soviet Union. According to the 1994 Yearbook of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), there were 23,000 Russian troops stationed in Armenia in mid-1992. In 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev made his final efforts to prevent the fall of the Soviet Union. As you can see, there are many events and performances on this day, as all Armenians proudly celebrate independence. Armenia: Brief independence From 1918-1920 Armenia was an independent republic until late 1920 when the red army invaded and local communists came to power. Armenia effectively controls the region today, although no formal resolution exists. During the last three weeks Armenian villages along the border with Azerbaidzhan have been Our ancestors were able to protect our homeland at the cost of their lives. 1991 September - A referendum sees 94% vote for secession from the Soviet Union. In this article, you'll know when the Independence Day of Armenia was declared and how it is celebrated in Armenia. In the 1990 elections the ANM won a majority in parliament. However, Armenia remained part of the Soviet Union until September 21, 1991 when the country was officially proclaimed as an independent state. Prior to Soviet rule, the Dashnaksutiun had governed the First Republic of Armenia.The Socialist Soviet Republic of Armenia was founded in 1920. I was told never to call them "Russians." Yerevan hosted an OSCE field office from February 16, 2000 until its closure in August 31, 2017 when the Government of Azerbaijan denied the consensus required to renew the office’s mandate. When Did Costa Rice Gain Independence From Spain? We have fought for our freedom for ages but never gave up. U.S. The Republic of Armenia declared its independence on the 21st of September, 1991. On that year, the celebrations included a military parade. By the way, Lithuania was the first country to recognize our independence. By May, Estonia and Latvia, the two other Baltic states followed. When Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, there was still a large contingent of Soviet troops in the country. Nagorno-Karabakh was an ethnic-majority Armenian region, but … 1991 September - A referendum sees 94% vote for secession from the Soviet Union. On March 17, 1991, Armenia, along with the Baltics, Georgia and Moldova, boycotted a union-wide referendum in which 78% of all voters voted for the retention of the Soviet Union in a reformed form. Largescale industrialisation and natural resource exploitation followed. People dance and greet each other. In 1991, 47 more nations recognized Armenia as an independent state. September 21, 1991 was the day when Armenia gained independence from the USSR in connection to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The United States recognized Armenia’s independence on December 25, 1991, when President George H.W. The country is landlocked and covers an area of approximately of 29,743 square kilometers. At that time, most of Western Armenia was still under Ottoman Empire. After independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia became drawn into a bloody conflict with Azerbaijan over the mostly Armenian-speaking region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Moscow, Russia – August 31, 1991, 8th Soviet Republic declares independence from USSR : Breakup, oil-rich Azerbaijan joins exodus. Our enemies couldn't realize their plan and demolish our country from the world map. The colors of the Armenian flag can be seen painted on the face and arms of the patriotic citizens. He now had a popular mandate to carry out his vision of Armenian independence and self-sufficiency. Armenian lawmakers voted Tuesday in favor of a declaration reasserting their homeland's independence. September 21, 2020. I t’s 25 years since Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union… In 1991, Mikhail Gorbachov, who was the leader of the Soviet Union, made a final effort to prevent the inescapable fall of the Soviet Union. Children can take part in a chalk painting event. Most basically, this matters for democracy in Armenia, which has been struggling to establish democratic institutions since declaring its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian Tuesday congratulated the Armenian people on the 19th anniversary of Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union, News.am reported. Even though this year we celebrated the 28th anniversary of independence, we should note that the 25th anniversary was just magnificent. Thanks for A2A! Finally, the Armenian's dream of having an independent, free, and self-governing state came true. Until that point, the OSCE office had helped Armenian government institutions and civil After seventy years of Soviet rule, in 1991, Armenian finally declared September 21 as the Armenian Independence Day. Armenian Independence Day. On October 16, 1991, Levon Ter-Petrosyan was elected the first president of Armenia. Until that point, the OSCE office had helped Armenian government institutions and civil