President Sarkissian’s congratulatory message on the occasion of the Republic of Artsakh Day

Dear Compatriots,

Today we commemorate the 28th anniversary of Artsakh’s Republic. These three decades have represented the history of struggle, tenacity, heroism, and victory of the entire Armenian nation, the history created by our people.

The longing for freedom on our historical land of Artsakh comes from the depth of centuries. From time immemorial a strong foundation of the Armenian statehood was established on that piece of land, a powerful and combat-ready army was shaped, scientific, educational centers, and cultural values were created, traditions of a peaceful coexistence and good neighborly relations were enrooted and most importantly, a forceful will and unbeatable spirit to defend the native land and families at any cost was formed. However, history is not only the past:

History is also the present, history is being created also for the future. In 1988, we all collectively were dreaming of a free Artsakh; later, when the freedom was endangered and the Armenian nation was engaged in yet another fight for survival, we all were praying to God for Artsakh’s salvation. Today, when independence have become a reality, we all demand a peaceful and secure Artsakh.

Freedom and peace were not handed to the people of Artsakh, they were earned through their lives, blood, a boundless love for the native land and dedication of the thousands of sons of the Armenian nation, and were secured 28 years ago in the Artsakh Declaration of Independence.

Today, there is still much to be done in our complicated and changeable times. Those, who fell for the liberation and independence of Artsakh, people, who live in Artsakh and give an example of heroism with their daily life, as well as our future generations deserve the future of Artsakh to be shaped as a history of victories, peace, and good neighborly relations.

Today, more than ever, we are firm and steadfast in defending the Republic of Artsakh – a symbol of our Armenian unity, and its heroic people. Armed with this very conviction, I convey my sincere best wishes to Artsakh in all its undertakings leading to success and victory.

I congratulate us all in Artsakh, Armenia, and Spyurk on the occasion of the Republic of Artsakh Day.

Together, we will defend and protect our victories and achievements.

God bless Artsakh, Armenia, and our nation.