YEREVAN. – So far, we—that is, Armenia—have had more losses than gains as a result of independence, sociologist Aharon Adibekyan noted during a press conference on Friday. 

In his words, Armenia lost 2.3 million residents because of independence, and the country’s present-day population should have been about 5 million. 

Adibekyan noted that in the latter half of the 1990s, 60 percent of Armenia’s population was against the independence of the country.  

“[But] now, we have the army with the best weaponry, [one that is] exemplary and, importantly, [one that has] become triumphant in the battle, as compared to Azerbaijan and Georgia.

“Armenia has established diplomatic relations with over eighty countries, we have embassies in thirty-one countries, and, with their help, we can solve the problems of the [Armenian] Diaspora,” the sociologist noted.     

Aharon Adibekyan expressed a hope that, no matter what, the Armenians will turn their country into a better state. 

To note, on Saturday, September 21, Armenia will mark the 22nd anniversary of its independence.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am