STEPANAKERT. – Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), or Artsakh, President Bako Sahakyan on Saturday visited Karmir Shuka urban settlement in Martuni Region and attended the official opening of a memorial devoted to fallen soldiers.

The President considered important the construction of monuments that perpetuate the memory of the heroes that have died for Artsakh’s independence and freedom, Central Information Department of the Office of the NKR President informs. He also expressed his gratitude to philanthropist Mher Voskanyan for carrying out this project.

According to President Sahakyan, the inhabitants of Karmir Shuka devotedly fought in all the fronts of Artsakh, proving themselves as brave and valorous fighters, and they are still serving in the NKR Defense Army and taking an active part in state building.

Bako Sahakyan expressed hope that the inhabitants of the settlement will continue to live and work with the same energy and for the glory of the republic and the nation. According to the President, this very philosophy is the best method to keep alive the memory of all fallen sisters and brothers.

Subsequently, and in connection with the courage demonstrated in defending the boundaries of the homeland, the Victory Day, and NKR Defense Army and the 21st anniversary of  the liberation of Shushi city, the President presented state awards—one being a posthumous one—and valuable gifts to a group of Karabakh war veterans. 

Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, PM Ara Harutyunyan, several other officials, and guests from Armenia and abroad also attended the event.