STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory letter to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in connection with the 23rd anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's Independence.

The Central Information Department of the Karabakh President’s Office informed “Armenpress” that the letter runs as follows:

"Respected Mr Sargsyan,

I cordially congratulate You and the whole our nation on the Independence Day.

September 21 is a historic and memorial day in the life of all the Armenians. It was marked as the revival of the Armenian statehood for the sake of which our people had been struggling for a long time. The aspiration to manage their own destiny themselves, live freely and independently in their native soil always accompanied our ancestors, became an ultimate goal and the only way to maintain national identity and survive.

It is already 23 years since we have been embarked on this path overcoming all the difficulties on a nationwide basis and gaining glorious victories. These victories were achieved by means of incredible hardships and losses, which oblige us always be on alert and vigilant, continuously strengthen the independent Armenian statehood by joint efforts. Armenia and Artsakh constitute the Motherland for the entire Armenian people and their development and prosperity is a matter of honor and dignity for every Armenian.

I am confident that due to the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora unshakable trinity we should be able to further solve the issues raised before our nation successfully and register new achievements and victories.

I congratulate You and all our compatriots once again on the state holiday and wish peace, robust health and all the best for the well being of Mother Armenia and the Armenian people".