STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS: On 2 September in connection with the 23rd anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s proclamation a solemn awarding ceremony took place at residency of the Artsakh Republic President. The Central Information Department of the Office of the President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic informed Armenpress that in his speech Bako Sahakyan noted that restoration of statehood was an epoch-making event for which the Armenian nation had struggled for a long period, suffered big and irretrievable losses and in spite of this all could restore the most important value – the independent statehood, the right to live on the native soil with dignity, and be the master of their own destiny.  

According to the Head of the State the 23 years of independence have been the period of resistance and decade-long struggle, years of state building and formation, during which we have defended Artsakh’s freedom and independence, worked together with Mother Armenian and the Diaspora towards eliminating the consequences of war and destruction and embarked on the path of stable development.

“We are determined and resolute to continue on the chosen path, continue with the high sense that Artsakh should be a stable, powerful, developed and democratic state, which can appear before the world with dignity and become the pride of the world spread Armenians. With joint efforts we should do everything possible to achieve these goals”, noted Bako Sahakyan in his speech.

The President underlined with satisfaction that the process of Artsakh’s international recognition hag gained a new impetus and within this context considered the recent recognition of Artsakh’s independence by California as a great event for all Armenians, calling it an important political, legal and moral step. The Head of the State congratulated all the awardees and attendees on 23rd anniversary of the Artsakh Republic’s proclamation, wished them robust health, happiness, peace and welfare.

Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, NKR National Assembly chairman Ashot Ghoulyan, other officials participated in the event.