Artsakh celebrating 25 years of independence in Stepanakert (Photo: president.nkr.am)

STEPANAKERT—On September 2, the Artsakh Republic celebrated its 25^th Anniversary of Independence.

The Artsakh and Armenian presidents Bako Sahakian and Serzh Sarkisian on Friday took part in celebratory events dedicated Artsakh’s independence.

Presidents Sahakian and Sarkisian and Artsakh National Assembly Speaker Arthur Mkrtchyan lay flowers on tombs of Artsakh freedom fighters (Photo: president.nkr.am)

Sahakian, Sarkisian and Artsakh’s National Assembly Speaker Arthur Mkrtchyan visited the Stepanakert Memorial Complex to lay flowers on the tombs of freedom fighters who perished for Artsakh’s independence and freedom.

During his speech at the event, Sahakian congratulated all the Artsakh people for the 25^th anniversary of the Republic.

“Raising its decisive voice in favor of free and independent Artsakh, our nation embarked on the state-building process, and began to build a democratic state in correspondence with the international norms and principles,” said Sahakian.

“During the days of ordeal and all times Armenia and the Diaspora were beside Artsakh. Due to the practical support and active participation of the world-spread Armenians, we managed to overcome all the trials and difficulties with flying colors, gained victory in the war imposed on us and started to develop and strengthen our precious and cherished Artsakh, our Motherland.”

He concluded his speech honoring the martyrs who fought for Artsakh’s independence. “On this festive day we remember with special gratitude all our martyrs, brave sons of the Armenian people, those, who on the cost of their lives paved the path to our Motherland’s bright future. We ought to always keep the memory of our devotees. The best way to do it is the consistent development and strengthening of the free and independent Artsakh.”

President Serzh Sarkisian relaying message on Artsakh’s Independence Day (Photo: president.am)

Sarkisian also relayed a message to the people.

“A quarter of a century ago, the Armenians of Artsakh made their irrevocable choice. That critical step was conscientious and deliberate. That choice, that will and determination brought back from the brink of a deadly precipice to life and freedom the most endangered part of the Armenian nation – the Armenians of Artsakh,” he stated.

“There is no doubt that the potential has not been fully utilized yet. There is no doubt that there is still much to be done in Artsakh and in Armenia. And there is no doubt that we will fulfill our task. We will do it through the efforts of the entire Armenian nation. We will do it despite all difficulties and challenges.”

He continued by saying that no force in the world “is capable of solving the Artsakh issue through military means. There is no such force because you live, because you are true to the choice you made 25 years ago. There is no military solution; solution is political.”

“Just as yesterday and today, tomorrow too you will decide your own destiny. We have no doubts about Artsakh’s bright future,” Sarkisian concluded.

Former Artsakh President Arkady Ghoukasyan, primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, ArtsakhNational Assembly chairman Ashot Ghoulyan, Artsakh Prime Minister Arayik Haroutyunyan, high-ranking officials from Artsakh and Armenia and guests from abroad were present at the event.

President Sahakian meeting with delegation from Abkhazia, South Ossetia and the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Photo: president.nkr.am)

On the same day, Sahakian met with delegations from Abkhazia, South Ossetia and the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, who visited Artsakh in the framework of Artsakh’s Independence Day.

Sahakian welcomed the delegation from the fraternal countries to Artsakh and discussed deepening and developing relations with them on a continuous basis.

Sahakian also sent a congratulatory message the Pridnestrovian Moldovian Republic President Yevgeny Shevchuk on their 25^th independence anniversary.

His message stated “On behalf of the people and authorities of the Artsakh Republic and myself personally I convey my cordial congratulations to You and the entire fraternal people of Pridnestroviye on the Day of the Republic.

It is a holiday symbolizing the will of Pridnestrovian people, their brevity and heroism, readiness to build a democratic state, defend and develop the native country.

In Artsakh, we are always glad to see the successes of the Pridnestroviаn Moldavian Republic.

I sincerely wish You, respectful Mr. Shevchuk, and the entire people of the Pridnestroviаn Moldavian Republic peace, prosperity and welfare, new great accomplishments and achievements.”

Sahakian at the “Armenian Currency History: Finance for Everyone” exhibition in Stepanakert

In the midst of a series of events, Sahakian also partook in the “Armenian Currency History: Finance for Everyone” exhibition held at the Stepanakert Culture and Youth Palace.

Sahakian and Artsakh officials at the opening of Shushi’s new dormitory. (Photo: president.nkr.am)

He also visited Shushi to participate in an opening ceremony of a new dormitory.

Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, NKR National Assembly chairman Ashot Ghoulyan, prime-minister Arayik Haroutyunyan, high-ranking officials from Artsakh and Armenia, representatives from the Diaspora and guests from abroad partook at the events.