President Serzh Sargsyan’s congratulatory message on Nagorno-Karabakh Independence Day

Dear people of Artsakh:

I congratulate you on the independence day of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The historic choice of the people of Artsakh is an irreversible reality now. You managed to found and build up statehood through the support of the entire nation and, first of all, owing to your inflexible will, your superhuman efforts and enormous sacrifices.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic stands proudly in the lineup of those nations boasting better organization of public institutions and a powerful army.

We are not by far the only ones to admire the furtherance of democracy, the cultural and educational progress, as well as the pace of economic growth in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Artsakh has already demonstrated to the world and themselves that they are civilized enough to build a powerful and prosperous statehood.

The war imposed on us and the frequent provocations along the borders are nothing compared to the powerful spirit that has been guiding the people of Artsakh and Armenians all over the world.

That very spirit inspired our heroes to wage a freedom fight and is behind our drive for creative undertakings.

Dear Compatriots,

Reiterating my congratulations on this great holiday, I wish you all peace and progress.