Our independence is still fragile, says Armenian sculptor

Our independence has not yet reached full maturity though 22 years have passed since the Soviet Union's collapse, an Armenian sculptor has said.

"Our independence is fragile; it isn't full-fledged and complete. Our grandfathers have struggled to make the generations independent, as that’s the highest category. But independence and freedom have to be used the right way,” Levon Tokmajyan told at a news conference devoted the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

Speaking of the achievements over the past years, the actor said his feelings are mostly positive in this connection. “I feel as though I am in Europe when I use a modern buses and see a driver wearing a tie turning the wheel. I feel we are heading towards Europe. But I turn sad once a crowd of people getting together in Mashtots Park [for protests].”

“Another achievement is the development of art, which is one of the best ways of exercising freedoms. We have finally rid ourselves of the Soviet-era difficulties. Two huge organizations [EU and the Eurasian Customs Union] are now trying to attract Armenia to their side. That means we have a certain value.”