From queens to presidents: Armenia receives congratulations

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory letter to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on the 22nd anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's Independence.

"22 years ago our nation made a historical decision, which radically changed the course of its further development. Finally, the independent Armenian statehood, which seemed unrealizable for centuries and the right of Armenian people to manage their own destiny and build country on their historical land by their own hands were restored. It was a decisive step, the truth and inevitability of which has been proved during all these years.

Today, the Republic of Armenia is moving forward with confidence, implementing various projects aimed at providing security and strengthening defense capacity as well as improving people's socioeconomic and living conditions. I am more than confident that the Armenian people would achieve new successes and fulfill the national goals with joint efforts and the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora unshakable trinity,” the President said.

Queen Elizabeth II has also congratulated the people of Armenia on the 22nd anniversary of their independence a post on the British Embassy’s Facebook page said.

Ambassador Jonathan Aves commented, "This is a proud day for the people of Armenia. The establishment of an independent, sovereign Armenian Republic is a great achievement. The UK will continue to work with Armenia as it seeks a secure and prosperous future".

Russian President Vladimir Putin also issued a congratulatory message, hailing Armenia’s successes in socioeconomic, scientific, technological and cultural sectors.

As he noted the long-standing Armenia-Russia ties have risen to the level of allied partnership and continue to develop intensively.

Putin expressed hope for further expansion of bilateral ties in the context of Armenia’s accession to Customs Union, the Kremlin’s official website said.

“On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I extend my warmest wishes to the people of Armenia as you celebrate your Independence Day on September 21,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in his congratulatory message.

“The United States and Armenia have a strong relationship based on historic ties and mutual respect. I am proud and grateful for the enduring friendship of many in the Armenian community. As someone who for three decades represented Massachusetts, which boasts one of the largest populations of Armenians outside of Armenia, I have special firsthand knowledge of the contributions that you have made to America’s culture, democracy and economic vitality.

Today our two countries are working together on a dynamic bilateral and regional agenda. Through forums such as the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force, we look forward to further strengthening the economic and commercial bonds between our peoples.

I wish all Armenians a joyful and prosperous Independence Day, with peace and happiness in the coming year,” the U.S. official’s letter said.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) released a statement on the 22nd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia.

“The road to independence has not been easy, but time has proven that Armenians are survivors in the truest sense of the word—survivors of foreign domination and survivors of the first genocide of the 20th century. Armenian-Americans continue to illustrate what a valuable asset they are to our society, breaking new ground socially, economically and politically across the nation, and enriching our customs, traditions and quality of life.

“Over the years, I have been privileged to work hand in hand with many individuals in the Armenian community on a wide variety of issues that concern the Armenian community, such as securing aid for Armenia and Artsakh, supporting self-determination for the people of Artsakh, and ending the U.S. government’s tragic failure to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

“As a friend to the Armenian community, I am honored to join you in commemorating this important day and anniversary. Congratulations to the people of Armenia, to Armenians in America, and to all Armenians around the world,” the statement said.

The Presidents of Ukraine and Belarus Viktor Yanukovych and Alexander Lukashenko congratulated their Armenian counterpart, expressing hope for further cooperation.