President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan has issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Day of the First Armenian Republic. The message reads:
“On behalf of the Artsakh Republic’s authorities and on my own behalf I cordially congratulate you on the Day of the First Armenian Republic.
May 28, 1918 has become a turning point in our nation’s millennia-long history that has changed radically its course. Survived for hundreds of years without a statehood the Armenian people, having passed through suffering and genocide, managed to bring together all of its potential and find a way out of a seemingly hopeless situation. There was only one path – to create and protect our own independent statehood.
The heroic battles of Sardarapat, Bash Aparan and Gharakilisa returned the former glory of the Armenian warrior, the hope and faith of our nation towards the future. In the early 20th century the foundations of democracy were laid in Armenia with the first public institutions and symbols created and parliamentary elections held. The First Armenian Republic survived for a short period of time in harsh and complicated geopolitical and socioeconomic conditions. However, it has left a great heritage and provided history lessons for generations.
The Armenian nation has had numerous losses at the crossroads of history. Nevertheless, sustaining the blows of the destiny our nation has become much stronger and wiser. The steadily developing Armenian states, the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora unshakable trinity, our powerful and triumphant army are the best proves of that. We must keep and cherish our achievements together and with joint efforts, putting the state and national interests above everything else.
On this festive day I once again congratulate our entire nation, our sisters and brothers from Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, and I wish everybody peace, robust health and all the best.”
