On September 2, 1991, the Regional Council of Deputies and the District Council of Shahumyan held a joint session in Stepanakert amid the incessant assaults and bombardments of the armed forces of Azerbaijan. This is stated in the congratulatory message issued by the Supreme Body of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun political party’s Armenia Chapter on the occasion of the Independence of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic). The message also states the following:
“This historic session was the end of yet another milestone in the national liberation struggle of the Armenian people and the start of a phase that was new in terms of quality and content. During the session, the Councils adopted the proclamation “On the declaration of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic”, heralding the establishment of the second Armenian republic to the world.
During the referendum held on December 10, 1991, 99% of the participants affirmed the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh with conviction and determination. The referendum was followed by the election of the Parliament of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which formed the first cabinet.
Today, the Republic of Artsakh is celebrating the 28th anniversary of its independence. Independence and sovereignty are non-negotiable values. Artsakh will continue to be the priority on our pan-Armenian agendas.
Congratulations on the holiday of Artsakh and all Armenians, the independence of the second Armenian state.”
