ITAR-TASS, Russia
May 28 2007
Armenia celebrates First Republic Day
28.05.2007, 13.41
YEREVAN, May 28 (Itar-Tass) – Armenia is celebrating the First
Republic Day on Monday. Armenian statehood was restored on that day
in 1918 after an interval of many centuries. The First Republic
lasted for only two and a half years, yielding place to Soviet power
after that period. Contemporary Armenia regards itself as a successor
of the 1918-1920 statehood.
The celebrations began in Armavir Region, which is forty kilometres
to the west of Yerevan. Standing there is a memorial to the heroes of
the victorious 1918 Sardarapat Battle. This victory over the Turkish
army preceded the proclamation of the First Republic. Taking part in
the celebrations are top leaders of the republic, headed by President
Robert Kocharian.
`The Republic of Armenia was born in May 1918 as a result of our
people’s heroic struggle and victories. In spite of its short-lived
history, it laid a solid foundation for the legal, economic,
scientific and cultural development of our new statehood,’ the
president’s holiday address says.
`May 28 ranks among the most glorious pages of our modern history and
is the bedrock of contemporary Armenia,’ the head of state stressed.
Kocharian wished the Armenian people to `devotedly adhere to the
course, laid on May 28, which symbolizes the eternal values of
national independence and liberty.’
Armenian Prime Minister Serge Sarkisian stated, in turn, that `the
Republic of Armenia, which was born as a result of our contemporary
victories and which had chosen the road of harmonious development
alongside with all the civilized countries of the world, is now
sixteen years old.’ He wished the Armenian people `further concerted
efforts to strengthen the new independent statehood, based on
democratic values, to develop the national economy, to guarantee the
country’s worthy place and role in the global processes.’
However, May 28 is not the country’s National Holiday. Armenia’s
National Holiday is celebrated on September 21: a referendum was held
on that day in 1991 at which the Armenian people had voted for the
republic’s independence.