The President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR; Artsakh), Bako Sahakyan, issued a congratulatory address in connection with the First Republic Day of Armenia.

“Dear compatriots:

“On behalf of the Artsakh Republic authorities and personally, I cordially congratulate all of you on the Day of the First Armenian Republic.

“The Armenian people are among the world’s most ancient civilizations with a rich traversed path that still exist. Our people have passed this road full of difficulties and challenges with flying colors, keeping alive their language and culture, national dignity and traditions, and most significantly, the centuries-old vision of restoring the independent statehood.

“This vision became a reality in 1918 with the formation of the First Armenian Republic, when the Armenians once again felt confident in their strength and stood for their Motherland. Our heroic forebears, having forged victories in Sardarapat, Bash Aparan and Gharakilisa, had already been paving the ways for our future achievements.

“Guided by the ideology of brave sons of Armenia and inheriting the helm, we were able to gain victory in the Artsakh liberation struggle and revive the independent Armenian statehood.

“Today, there are two Armenian states and the unshakable Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity, which is a key pledge of all our success.

“The Armenian people, drawing the moral of the past, must continue their path toward the bright and radiant future in the same unified and consolidated manner.

“Dear compatriots:

“I once again congratulate all of us on this great holiday and wish peace, strong health and all the best,” the NKR President’s message reads.