Congratulatory message of the President of Armenia on the occasion of Nagorno Karabakh Independence Day

Dear Compatriots,

I congratulate you on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.

September 2, 1991 opened a glorious page in the modern history of the Armenian nation. A quarter of a century ago, the Armenians of Artsakh made their irrevocable choice. That critical step was conscientious and deliberate. That choice, that will and determination brought back from the brink of a deadly precipice to life and freedom the most endangered part of the Armenian nation – the Armenians of Artsakh.

You fought and won in the unequal war. You built a state and society which are free as never before. You created an army which is strong and combat ready as never before. You raised from the ashes a piece of land which never before was so cultivated and beautiful. You proved to yourselves, to the entire Armenian nation, and the world that the free Artsakh is not only viable but also possesses a huge potential for development.

There is no doubt that the potential has not been fully utilized yet. There is no doubt that there is still much to be done in Artsakh and in Armenia. And there is no doubt that we will fulfill our task. We will do it through the efforts of the entire Armenian nation. We will do it despite all difficulties and challenges.

Last April’s military actions once again or rather once more proved that if the enemy tries to solve the problem through military means, he will be thrown back with losses. It proved that no force in the world is capable of solving the Artsakh issue through military means. There is no such force because you live, because you are true to the choice you made 25 years ago. There is no military solution; solution is political.
Today, on this memorable day, I tell you once again: just as yesterday and today, tomorrow too you will decide your own destiny. We have no doubts about Artsakh’s bright future.

Long live the free and independent Artsakh!
Long live the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh!