The third President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, on Monday issued a congratulatory message on the 28th anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic).

“28 years ago, Artsakh chose its steady course and made that irrevocable decision, sensing in its back the strength of the unity of thousands of Armenians,” the message reads, in part. “In no case should we allow a disruption of pan-Armenian unity in the Artsakh issue.

“Only the people who value their heroes can have further triumphs.

“And today, our children perform their duty at the state border of Artsakh with the same devotion, defending the independence gained at the cost of the lives of their fathers and grandfathers.

“Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan.”