On January 19, 2026, the 106th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Western Armenia was commemorated.  The Members of the National Assembly and the Government, public figures, and representatives of the Armenian community took part in the anniversary event.

During the event, the President of the Republic of Western Armenia, Armenag Aprahamian, delivered a speech,where he emphasized that January 19 holds a  special significance for  Western Armenians, as it simultaneously symbolizes both the anniversary of independence and the day of remembrance of Armenian intellectual, human rights defender, and journalist Hrant Dink. The President noted that this day highlights the Armenian people’s  righteous struggle, the voice of the  truth, and the defense of national identity.

Armenag Aprahamian stressed that Hrant Dink became the voice of the Armenians of Western Armenia, raising the truth at the cost of his life and defending the rights of the Armenian people. According to the President, Dink’s voice continues to live on through the idea of independence, memory, and the demand for justice.

The speeches also addressed the ongoing policies carried out against the Armenians of Western Armenia, emphasizing that the genocide was not limited solely to physical annihilation but continued at cultural, psychological, and political levels. In particular, the systematic destruction of  the Armenian cultural heritage, khachkars, and historical monuments was highlighted.

The participants of the event emphasized the importance of educating the new  generation and restoring national identity,highlighting  that the future of the Armenian people depends on the preservation of historical memory and the strengthening of state-oriented thinking. The 106th anniversary of independence once again  expressed the message of restoring the statehood of Western Armenia and defending the rights of the Armenian people.