The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, on Sunday issued a message of congratulations on the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) Independence Day anniversary.

“The people of Artsakh made their choice—by proclaiming independence—in a very complicated historical situation,” the message reads, in particular. “Over the past 27 years, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh went through wars, destructions, human losses, and many other severe hardships. But with all that, the Republic of Artsakh was established.

“Shoulder to shoulder with Armenia and the [Armenian] diaspora, Artsakh today continues to live and develop.

“Armenia, Artsakh, and the diaspora are stronger today because they are more united and freer.

“Artsakh’s security is at the focus of our daily attention.”