STEPANAKERT—On September 2, the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Bako Sahakyan, partook in the festive events dedicated to the 22nd anniversary of the Artsakh Republic’s proclamation of independence.
The President visited the Stepanakert Memorial Complex and laid flowers at the monuments of freedom-fighters who perished for the independence and freedom of Artsakh. He also laid flowers at the resting place of the first Speaker of the National Assembly of Arstakh, Arthur Mkrtchyan, among others.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, Arstakh National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghоulyan, Prime Minister Ara Haroutunyan, Armenian and Artsakh officials, representatives of the Diaspora, and guests from abroad also attended the events.
“This is a magnificent state holiday, which we traditionally celebrate with great pride and responsibility,” President Bako Sahakyan said in his address issued on the occasion of the Day of the Artsakh Republic.
“We’re proud of the heroic people who gained freedom and independence through the blood of their brave sons and now continue to carve their own future. We feel responsibility for strengthening the statehood created through these enormous sacrifices, developing this native land, and leaving a strong and prosperous homeland for the generations to come,” Sahakyan said.
President Sahakyan called on the people of Armenia and the Diaspora to join them in their “daily, painstaking work” in confronting the issues that face Artsakh.
Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian also issued an address on the occasion of the anniversary.
“Dear Artsakhians, today, on this great day, Armenians all over the world together with you say “Yes.” “Yes” to democracy and universal human values, “No” to anti-Armenian fascism and the whims of dictators.
“Today, on this great day we state that the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, as a state, continues to develop comprehensively. The peaceful toil and creative work of the people of Artsakh have already cardinally and positively changed its outlook. There are some countries in this world which are officially recognized by the international community, but who dream of having the internal orderliness and stability that Artsakh enjoys; its level of democracy and political freedom. And all this despite the fact that the people of Artsakh are compelled to use only one hand for work, because the other must still hold a weapon.”
Sarkisian added, “Certainly, there is still much to be done; serious problems still exist ranging from everyday life problems to political and military issues. However, one thing is clear for us all: there is no return to the prison cell of a medieval khanate.”
Yes, We celebrate this great day! But let’s remember a man who was a hero! A man who is alone right now!
Let’s remember a hero who has a tragic life! Hrachya Harutyunyan needs our help! Let’s think about him and help him!