Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Arayik Haroutyunyan has issued a congratulatory message to Armenians on the Artsakh Independence Day anniversary.

"We have crafted this key state holiday together as a nation, thanks to the combination of the efforts of all Armenians, the greatest duty for our homeland, the memory of our ancestors, and the future of generations, our courage and endurance. We have crafted [this holiday] cherishing in mind the dream of having a free, independent and happy country.

Today our people are on the way to fulfilling that cherished dream. I am convinced that we will pass it successfully because we are building, improving and defending our homeland, creating the necessary conditions for a dignified life for our citizens. We will do that instead of ourselves and our fallen friends—the heroic children of our people. It is the sacred duty of all of us," the statement reads, in part.