Armen Sarkissian's Congratulatory Message

The President of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, has sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Victory and Peace Day and the anniversary of the liberation of Shushi.

“Dear compatriots,

I warmly congratulate you on the occasion of the Victory and Peace Day and the anniversary of the liberation of Shushi.

I congratulate all veterans of the Patriotic and Artsakh wars, the defenders and freedom fighters, the soldiers and officers, and our entire population, all citizens of Armenia and Artsakh, who come together in crucial moments to become the defenders of our homeland.

I congratulate our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, those who actively participated in the fight against fascism and then in the defense of Artsakh.

Peace and victory, as values, are essential guarantees for the survival and development of nations and states. About 75 years ago, the victory over fascism in the Second World War was achieved by the efforts of our 600,000 compatriots, bringing peace to the world. And 27 years ago, with the historic liberation of Shushi, we were able to turn the tide of the Artsakh war in our favor.

Many of our compatriots sacrificed their lives on the path to creating victories and establishing peace.

We bow before their everlasting memory.

Dear compatriots,

We must not be satisfied only with recording past achievements. We must also succeed in the present and in all areas, and today lay a solid foundation for tomorrow's triumphs. To confront today’s challenges, we must achieve victories in ideas—propose them and bring them to life in both military and civilian life, on the frontlines and in the rear, in work and the economy, in culture and science.

During the Artsakh war and the liberation of Shushi, the united power of Armenia, Artsakh, and the diaspora triumphed—the power of the Armenian people. We must do everything to ensure that our unity remains unbroken, so that our victories can be continuous, and that peace remains unshakable in Armenia and Artsakh.

Once again, I congratulate you on the May holidays, wishing all of us new victories and our country and people peace and development.”