December 31 President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory message for the New Year and Merry Christmas:

Dear compatriots,

The year of 2010 is coming to an end. It was rich in political, economic and cultural events. A stable growth has been registered in almost all the spheres of our republic’s economy. New blocks of flats, industrial objects, cultural and educational hearths have been built. The defense capacity level of our country has been raised; the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora ties have been strengthened. Our representatives have registered glorious victories in the international sports and culture arenas.

Unfortunately, during the passing year we had irretrievable losses too. Soldiers have been killed while defending state borders.

Eternal honor and glory to all our heroes perished for the independence and freedom of Artsakh. Let the year 2011 be successful for their families and relatives.

Friends, in 2011 we shall celebrate on the nationwide basis the 20th anniversary of the Artsakh Republic’s independence. Our will and resoluteness to build free and sovereign state have remained unchangeable. Nothing can influence us changing our path.

In this festive hour, I first of all congratulate all the servicemen of the Defense Army, the main guarantor of our security, those who meet the New Year in trenches and borderlines securing the borders of the Motherland.

I congratulate our brothers and sisters in Armenia and the Diaspora. It is also due to their active participation that Artsakh is developing and strengthening.

Dear people of Artsakh,

I cordially congratulate all of you on this warmest holiday. I wish you robust health and happiness. Let the year 2011 bring success and prosperity to our people, peace and solidarity to our country.

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!