President of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic), Bako Sahakyan, on Monday issued a congratulatory address in connection with the day of the First Armenian Republic.

“The 1918 May victories have become the foundation of restoration of the Armenian statehood,” the address reads, in particular. “For centuries the Armenian people have been subjected to violence and massacres and have passed through numerous ordeals being deprived of statehood subject to foreign yoke.

“Despite the fact that the First Armenian Republic survived for a short period of time its role in the life of our people is significant.

“The heroic deeds of our brave sons in Sardarapat, Bash Aparan and Gharakilisa proved that Armenians can escape the massacre when they believe in their own strength, when they take up arms and defend their own land, when they are united and determined.

“Mother Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, always keeping the spirit of the 1918 heroic battles, continue to defend and strengthen the two Armenian republics, develop the Armenian land and forge reliable and bright future of the Armenian people.