NKR forced to defense independence in arms

PanARMENIAN.Net - The main goal of the Nagorno Karabakh leadership is to achieve international recognition of the republic, NKR President Arkady Ghukasian told reporters in Stepanakert. NKR has no alternative presently, he added.



"The priority task is to secure peace. On May 9 we commemorate those who gave their lives for freedom and independence of Nagorno Karabakh… War is not our way. It was imposed on us by Azerbaijan and today's status quo is the result of this war," Ghukasian said.



"The NKR Defense Army is the guarantor and independence of the republic. The parade in the Renaissance Square was held for us and never meant to frighten Azerbaijan. The people of Karabakh do not suffer from the syndromes of the Azerbaijani leadership. Today's holiday was our holiday. Life has proved that we are strong when we are together. The history of the Armenian people demonstrated it during the recent years.



Unfortunately armament is the only means to maintain NKR independence. This position is conditioned by Azerbaijan's non-constructive stance. If the Azeri politicians abided by a more constructive ways in conflict settlement we wouldn't have to defend our independence in arms. I am convinced that neither weapons nor military force should determine the conflict settlement. Peaceful path and constructive dialogue are the key. Nevertheless, we constantly modernize our equipment and armament. This process is interminable," the NKR President said.



The parade dedicated to the 15th anniversary of liberation of Shushi, formation of the NKR Defense Army and 62nd anniversary of Victory in the World War II was held in the Renaissance Square in Stepanakert on May 9. The parade was run by First Deputy Commander of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army, Major General Movses Hakobyan and was inspected by NKR Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Seyran Ohanyan. Over 1500 military marched in the parade.



Armenian President Robert Kocharian, NKR President Arkady Ghukasian, RA NA Speaker Tigran Torosian, primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, head of the Yerkrapah Union of Volunteers, General Lieutenant Manvel Grigoryan and Generals of the Armenian and NKR armies attended the event.