Armenia Declares Sovereignty, Rejects Soviet Authority Over Nagorno-Karabakh
Historic declaration challenges Moscow's support for Azerbaijan as Armenia charts independent course
YEREVAN, Armenia - The Armenian Supreme Soviet today declared the republic’s sovereignty and rejected Soviet laws that contradict Armenian interests, specifically challenging Moscow’s authority over the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.
The declaration, passed by an overwhelming majority, marks Armenia’s first formal step toward independence and directly challenges Soviet support for Azerbaijan’s territorial claims. The document declares Armenian law supreme over Soviet law within the republic’s territory.
“Today, we reclaim our destiny after centuries of foreign rule,” declared Supreme Soviet Chairman Levon Ter-Petrosyan to thunderous applause. “Armenia will no longer accept decisions made in Moscow that threaten our national existence.”
The sovereignty declaration specifically references Nagorno-Karabakh, stating Armenia does not recognize the legitimacy of borders drawn by Stalin and will work for the region’s “reunification with the motherland.”
Direct Challenge to Moscow
The timing is significant, coming amid ongoing Operation Ring deportations of Armenians from villages around Nagorno-Karabakh. By declaring sovereignty, Armenia essentially rejects Moscow’s authority to support Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing campaign.
“If Soviet forces can be used to deport Armenians, then Soviet law has no moral authority in Armenia,” explained deputy Vazgen Manukyan. “We must chart our own course.”
The declaration includes provisions for:
- Creating Armenian armed forces
- Establishing independent foreign relations
- Controlling all resources within Armenia
- Refusing participation in Soviet military operations against Armenians
Moscow’s Dilemma
The Kremlin faces an impossible situation. Recognizing Armenian sovereignty would encourage other republics while rejecting it risks pushing Armenia toward complete independence. Gorbachev’s spokesman called the declaration “emotional and premature.”
However, Soviet authority in Armenia has already largely collapsed. Military conscription has ceased as young Armenians refuse to serve in an army that deports their compatriots. Communist Party membership has plummeted to insignificance.
“Moscow lost Armenia the day Soviet troops participated in Operation Ring,” observes Dr. Ronald Suny, a historian of Armenian nationalism. “This declaration merely formalizes existing reality.”
Regional Implications
Azerbaijan immediately denounced the declaration as “illegal separatism” and warned that any Armenian attempt to annex Nagorno-Karabakh would mean war. Popular Front rallies in Baku burn Armenian flags and demand military action.
“Armenia’s so-called sovereignty is a declaration of war,” proclaimed Azerbaijani Popular Front leader Abulfaz Elchibey. “They want to steal our territory under the cover of independence.”
Turkey expressed concern about Armenian sovereignty, with officials warning against any attempts to raise historical grievances or territorial claims. The Armenian declaration notably mentions the goal of international recognition of the 1915 genocide.
Popular Celebration
In Yerevan’s Republic Square, hundreds of thousands celebrate through the night. The banned Armenian tricolor flies everywhere as people sing patriotic songs and dance traditional dances. For many, this represents the restoration of Armenian statehood lost in 1920.
“My grandfather fought for Armenian independence against the Turks,” said 70-year-old Vardan Khachaturyan, tears streaming down his face. “He died believing Armenia would be free again. Today, his dream comes true.”
Young men volunteer in droves for newly forming Armenian military units. “We won’t rely on Soviet troops who help our enemies,” declared volunteer Armen Sargsyan. “Armenia needs its own army to defend our people.”
The Path Forward
The sovereignty declaration accelerates the Soviet Union’s disintegration. If Armenia - one of the smallest republics - can reject Moscow’s authority, what prevents larger republics from doing the same?
More immediately, it transforms the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. No longer an internal Soviet dispute mediated by Moscow, it becomes a struggle between two emerging nation-states with irreconcilable territorial claims.
As dawn breaks over Mount Ararat, visible from Yerevan on this clear morning, Armenia begins a new chapter. The ancient nation, conquered by Rome, Persia, Arabs, Mongols, and Turks, declares its intention to control its own fate.
But sovereignty is easier declared than defended. With Nagorno-Karabakh under siege and Azerbaijan backed by Soviet forces, Armenia’s independence may require sacrifice in blood. The celebration in Republic Square is tempered by the knowledge that the hardest struggles lie ahead.