Independence holiday or manifestation of dependence

Today is the 20th anniversary of the independence of Armenia – perhaps the most inspiring holiday in the history of our newly established state. It seemed that the Armenian people and the citizens of Armenia, in particular, who had suffered many losses in order that our statehood might be established, should have celebrated at least this holiday with pride and dignity, without political diversity. But no. One part of our society does not agree with today’s parade dedicated to the independence of Armenia, because the soldiers of the 102nd military base – the base will exist in Armenia for another 49 years – will participate in the parade and enter the square under the Russian flag. That part of our society does not agree to call that fact otherwise than a fact disparaging our independence and manifesting that the Republic of Armenia is an “outpost” and a “province” of the Russian Federation. Furthermore, one part of our citizens has initiated a “March against foreign military units and flags on the Independence Day” and today it will march in protest toward the Republic Square.