Karabakh celebrating 22nd independence anniversary

 September 2, 2013 - 11:22 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of independence.

On September 2, 1991, the joint session of the Nagorno Karabakh regional council and the council of people’s deputies of Shahumyan region proclaimed the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, adopting the Declaration of Independence.

The declaration reads that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic exercises the authority envisaged by the USSR constitution and legislation and is entitled to decide on its legal status.

“This is a magnificent state holiday, which we traditionally celebrate with deep pride and responsibility,” Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan said in his congratulatory message.

“We are proud of the heroic people who gained freedom and independence and nowadays keep carving their own future. We feel responsibility for strengthening the statehood established through great sacrifices, developing the native land, and leaving a strong and prosperous homeland for the generations to come. We are full of determination and perseverance to solve together all these issues through daily painstaking work, with the active support of Armenia and the Diaspora.”

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said: “The indigenous people of Artsakh made their historic choice and the fact of self-determination is undisputable. The people of Republic of Nagorno Karabakh defended their freedom and secured it through the heaviest losses in the war. The people of Artsakh voted for their freedom not only at the national referendum but through the national self-defense saying “Yes” to freedom and independence and saying “No” to violence and carnage.”

“Today, on this great day the Armenians all over the world together with you say “Yes” to democracy and universal human values, and “No” to anti-Armenian fascism and whims of dictators… Certainly, there is still much to be done and serious problems still exist ranging from everyday life problems to political and military issues. However one thing is clear for us all: there is no return to the prison cell of a medieval khanate.”