On September 21, in a congratulatory message marking the 33rd anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated, "September 21 is the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, and today we mark the 33rd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia." 

He recalled that on this day in 1991, an Independence referendum was held in Armenia, where citizens were asked, "Do you agree that the Republic of Armenia should be an independent, democratic state outside the USSR?" Pashinyan noted that 95 percent of eligible voters answered "Yes," thus establishing the Republic of Armenia as an independent state.

Reflecting on the years since independence, Pashinyan stated that Armenia has faced numerous challenges, including wars, thousands of victims, blockades, economic and political crises, and emigration. These trials, he emphasized, have underscored the need to continuously affirm the answer to the 1991 referendum, not just through a vote, but through daily actions and behavior. Pashinyan stressed that the Government of Armenia's core mission is to answer "Yes" to the referendum question each day, a goal realized through growing independence, democracy, and a balanced foreign policy.

Pashinyan also reflected on the 2018 People's nonviolent Velvet Revolution, stating that independence, statehood, and democracy have remained the benchmarks of government decisions, guided by international rules. He acknowledged past mistakes and failures, noting that Armenia reached the brink of losing its independence in 2020. However, this presented an opportunity to strengthen the state through the "Real Armenia" strategy, moving theoretical ideas of state durability into practice.

Addressing the citizens of Armenia, Pashinyan emphasized that "yesterday, today, and tomorrow is the independence referendum." He stated that every day, citizens make choices that either affirm or negate independence: paying taxes (Yes) versus hiding taxes (No), acting honestly (Yes) versus taking bribes (No), working diligently (Yes) versus complacency (No), respecting the law (Yes) versus breaking it (No).

Pashinyan expressed his pride and gratitude to those who continue to say "Yes" to independence and apologized for his government's mistakes, acknowledging human fallibility. He concluded by reaffirming the central goal of ensuring Armenia's independence, statehood, and the Republic as a platform for its citizens' security, freedom, and well-being within its internationally recognized borders of 29,743 square kilometers.