STEPANAKERT. – Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), or Artsakh, President Bako Sahakyan released a message of congratulations in connection with Victory Day and the anniversaries of the NKR Defense Army and the liberation of the NKR City of Shushi.

“Dear compatriots,

“Dear veterans of the Great Patriotic and Artsakh Liberation Wars,

“On behalf of the Artsakh Republic authorities and myself personally I cordially congratulate you on the Victory Holiday, the Day of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army and the Liberation of Shushi.

“May 9 is among the most memorable holidays in the Armenian history, which symbolizes patriotism intrinsic to our national character and courage, self-sacrifice and feat, unshakable will and resoluteness to rebel and win against foreign yoke. It goes back deep into history and it manifested itself during the Great Patriotic War when our fathers and grandfathers, together with different nations, fought against Nazi Germany to save the world from the clutches of Nazism. The new generation continued their heroic lesson by defending the native land and annealing victories in the Artsakh Liberation Wars.

“The formation of the [NKR] Defense Army and the liberation of Shushi became crucial achievements that have laid the ground for all of our future successes. Along with our brothers and sisters from Armenia and the Diaspora, we managed not only to win during the hard and cruel war imposed upon us, but also to build a steadily flourishing and developing country thus continuing the unfinished mission of the brave sons of the Armenian people, who perished for the Motherland, perpetuating their memory.

“Dear compatriots,

“I once again congratulate us all with this glorious Triple Celebration and wish peace, prosperity, and new victories to our heroic people and Motherland,” the NKR President’s congratulatory message reads.