The Path to Armenia's Independence (1988-1995)

The national movement that began in 1988 was initially a struggle for the self-determination of Artsakh but quickly turned into a path to independence. The first parliamentary elections in 1990 and Ter-Petrosyan's victory made it possible to adopt the Declaration of Independence. The 1991 referendum, conducted in accordance with international standards and the laws of the Soviet Union, became a decisive step, which was followed by the international recognition of Armenia. The 1995 Constitution consolidated the foundation of the already established independent statehood.