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

“Dear compatriots,

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

“The Armenian nation has been always struggling to restore its statehood, live freely and independently on its soil, master its destiny on its own. 

“On 28 May, the century-long struggle crowned with success. In the battles of Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Gharakilisa, our people demonstrated unprecedented endurance, heroism and gained success, resisted the invading enemy and forced it to retreat, rescuing the last fraction of the historical homeland and its future from destruction.

“The Artsakh Liberation Struggle became the continuation of these glorious heroic battles, proving once again that Armenian freedom-loving spirit is unshakable and it passes down from generation to generation.

“Today, the entire Armenian people have united and combined their efforts for the development and reinforcement of the two Armenian republics, for the secure and wealthy life of the Armenians in their own country, their homeland. It is a nationwide issue which should be resolved by all of us, in the Mother Armenia, Artsakh, and Diaspora.

“Once again, I congratulate all our people on the state holiday and wish peace, prosperity and new victories on the way of the state-building process,” reads the address by the NKR President.