YEREVAN, JANUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. State Minister of Artsakh Republic Ruben Vardanyan made a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. ARMENPRESS presents the message of the Minister of State of Artsakh.

"Today we celebrate the 31st anniversary of the formation of the Armenian National Army. This is really a very important and significant holiday for all Armenians. The role and importance of the Armenian army is irreplaceable in the defense of the Republic of Armenia and, of course, in keeping Artsakh Armenian, which is the guarantee of the protection of the Armenian world.

In the wars unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, many volunteers of the Armenian Army selflessly fought and defended Artsakh, preventing the policy of ethnic cleansing against the people of Artsakh. I express my respect to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the motherland. Today, Artsakh, resisting many trials, proves that your unwavering dedication and self-sacrifice have made us strong and unbreakable.

Let me summarize my message with the words of the First Minister of Defense of the Armenian Army, Sparapet Vazgen Sargsyan, which is addressed to all of us. "The army is the mirror of the nation's self-recognition, it is the birth of all Armenians, it is the collective image of the Armenians, its responsibility, the re-evaluation of its history and its look to the future. I'm not saying nice words, I'm just telling the truth."