Melkonian: Epoch of independent Armenian statehood starts with NKR

TThe epoch of independent Armenian statehood’s restoration starts with the independence of Artsakh. Asot Melkonian, Director of the institute of History of Armenia’s Academy of National Sciences, expressed this opinion during a talk with the correspondent of Aysor.am today when speaking about the 22nd anniversary of the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

He stressed that prior to the declaration of Armenia’s independence on September 21, Nagorno Karabakh declared itself independent on September 2, 1991, which was a unique event.

“As a manifestation of contemporary Armenian statehood, Artsakh became a classic example for the Republic of Armenia – both in terms of democracy and establishment,” Melkonian said.

In his words, many reforms which were at first successfully carried out in the NKR, were later also implemented in Armenia.

Melkonian said that Armenia and Artsakh are very often bracketed, yet, when speaking about Armenia, we should understand Armenia, Artsakh, and Western Armenia, and when the matter concerns two Armenian statehoods, the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh are meant.