Majority of Armenians do not comprehend the significance of Artsakh independence, a Heritage party member said.

“Proclamation of independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic has historical, moral and legal importance,” Larisa Alaverdyan told a news conference on September 2.

For his part, historian Edik Minasyan remarked that Armenians fought for independence of Artsakh. “Today, there is a free Artsakh, which has built its statehood, as it’s proved by the republic’s economic development index,” he said.

Artsakh Republic is celebrating the 20th anniversary of independence today. Guests from Armenia and abroad are expected to arrive in Stepanakert to take part in the festivities that will be crowned with a concert in the NKR capital.

On September 2, 1991, the joint session of the Nagorno Karabakh regional council and the council of people’s deputies of Shahumyan region proclaimed the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, adopting the Declaration of Independence.

The declaration reads that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic exercises the authority envisaged by the USSR constitution and legislation and is entitled to decide on its legal status.