Defense Minister: Armenian independence helped defend ArtsakhSeptember 20, 2012 - 17:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Defense Ministry hosted a celebration on the occasion of Armenian Independence Day. “Independence Day is the most cherished holiday for all Armenians. Freedom was gained at a cost of great efforts and sacrifice,” Defense Minister said. Seyran Ohanyan noted restoration of Armenian statehood through Sept. 21 referendum in 1991 as the sole way to defend Artsakh. “Independence enabled to take operative measures for establishment of a democratic system of government, implementation of foreign policy in the interests of Armenia’s and Artsakh people and formation of regular armed forces,” Minister Ohanyan said. The Defense Ministry further hosted a ceremony awarding outstanding soldiers and liberators with state awards of Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Defense Ministry. Top stories The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Yerevan City Council has elected Tigran Avniyan from the ruling Civil Contract as the mayor of the Armenian capital. The Armenian Parliament on Tuesday, October 3 voted to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). |