Artsakh, despite all the tests of time, will continue its path to independence - president

YEREVAN, Sept. 2. /ARKA/. Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan sent a message on Friday on the occasion of Republic Day.

"September 2, 1991 went down in the history of the Armenian people as a fateful and decisive day. On that day, the joint session of the Nagorno-Karabakh Regional and Shahumyan District Councils of People's Deputies adopted the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Artsakh, declaring the formation of the second Armenian Republic. The moment was historic, the people's decision to live free and independent, their will was unshakable and their spirit was invincible", the message says.

However, according to the president, the path of building a democratic state in accordance with the norms and principles of international law was full of trials and hardships.

"The 44-day war of 2020 was a new disaster for the Armenian people that claimed the lives of thousands of our brave sons and crippled many lives. We are deeply grateful to all those who lost their lives for the independence of the homeland and the dignified existence of the Armenian people. We bow before their blessed memory and their dignified relatives and friends," he said.

The President also said that today Artsakh's connection with the homeland is ensured through the new route of the "Lachin corridor," the security of which is ensured by the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation together with the relevant structures of the republic.

"We are grateful for the constant support of our compatriots living in Armenia and the Diaspora, the Russian Federation for its important mission in Artsakh, and all those states, political and public figures who have been by our side throughout all these years, remaining committed to the universal values of justice, humanity and democracy," he stressed.

"After 31 years, the people of Artsakh firmly and decisively declare that despite all the tests of time, they are faithful to their decision, the chosen path, which is irreversible and uninterrupted. Artsakh will always be steadfast, Armenian and will continue on its path to independence," Harutyunyan summarized. -0-