YEREVAN (Combined Sources)– On Sunday–Armenia celebrated its 12th anniversary of the Independence Referendum when citizens of Armenia almost unanimously said "yes" to establishing an independent and democratic Armenia.
On the occasion–Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian called for regional cooperation and stability. In his address to the nation–he stressed–"The people of Karabagh are building a statehood–and we believe that this is their legal and inalienable right. . . Armenia pursues a policy of preserving peace in the region. We are confident that regional cooperation will be beneficial to all countries in the South Caucasus. Moreover–it can also contribute to the resolution of conflicts–including the Karabagh problem."
In a message to President Kocharian–Russian President Vladimir Putin said–"The people of Armenia made a definitive choice in favor of building a democratic state ruled by law–and they have every right to treasure their achievemen’s now." Putin highlighted the strategic partnership that exists between the two countries and hoped that the alliance would "enhance stability in the Caucasus."