STEPANAKERT. – President of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), Bako Sahakyan, on Monday issued a congratulatory address to the people of Artsakh, in connection with the NKR State Independence Referendum and Constitution Day.

“December the 10th has entered into the chronology of our people as a day of making pivotal decisions that have outlined the subsequent path for the development of our state,” the address reads, in particular, Central Information Department of the Office of the NKR President informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. “These historical decisions have been adopted through nationwide referendums, unanimously in conformity with international norms and principles, strictly adhering to the letter and spirit of the law.

“The people of Artsakh have made a decisive choice of building an independent and sovereign state on their soil, independently managing their destiny, remaining faithful to the unconditional supremacy of law and human rights, the principles of democracy, universal and national values.

“The accomplishments of the independence years testify our determination and resoluteness to preserve and consolidate the freedom and independence gained by the blood of our brave sons, multiply the glorious victories forged by the efforts of all Armenians, since these values are sacred for the entire Armenian nation.

“This path is indivertible and irreversible. From now on too, everything will be done for the continuous consolidation of our statehood, ensuring the security of the people, consistent strengthening of defensive capacity, development of the economy and increasing the living standards of the population.”