Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Congratulatory Message on the Day of Artsakh's Renaissance

33 years ago around this time, the Artsakh movement began. It truly marked a turning point in the history of the Armenian people. The Artsakh movement heralded the beginning of the struggle for independence, awakening the spirit of national unity and the breath of freedom in our hearts. It was the first step in the process of restoring our statehood and reclaiming our place among the family of nations.

In February 1988, thousands of people rose in the city of Stepanakert to defend their rights and voice their right to live with dignity on their land. This act by the people of Artsakh, which was unprecedented courage for those days, immediately resonated in Armenia, igniting the Freedom Square in the capital, Yerevan.

33 years ago, not only Artsakh was reborn, but the entire Armenian people also experienced a renaissance. The spark of the rebellious spirit of Artsakh illuminated our hearts. We rediscovered the determination to live freely and independently, to shape our destiny, and to manage our future.

Today, we also remember and bow our heads before the memory of our heroes. We remember all our martyrs who fell in the first and second Artsakh wars, in the April and July battles, and during combat duty. Glory to all those who dedicated their lives for the future of our people. Their memory is immortal. Their deed is sacred, and the fire of their glory is unquenchable. Their heroism was not in vain, and their legacy is eternal.

33 years ago, the brave actions of the people of Artsakh revived the Armenian people. 33 years later, we once again need a renaissance. If the renaissance of those days led us to the reaffirmation of our right to live freely, today's renaissance should lead us to the construction of a strong, competitive state in the 21st century, one that keeps pace with the times.

Our pain runs deep, and our wounds are incurable. However, the memory of our sacred martyrs and their deeds demand that we dedicate our entire strength to building our future and ensuring the renaissance of Artsakh. The death of our martyrs will not be in vain if we wholeheartedly commit ourselves to working for a strong homeland, for our children, for our future achievements.

The spirit of our people is indomitable. The spirit of the Artsakh people is even more unbreakable. Their desire to live and create is unwavering. I am confident that just like many nations that have faced severe challenges in their history, the Armenian people too will soon heal the wounds of the past war and will march towards the future with even more determined and robust steps.

33 years ago, a new chapter was opened in our people's history with the renaissance of Artsakh. Today we are inspired by the ideals that nurtured the renaissance of Artsakh and are ready to move forward in the path of realizing our national aspirations and dreams.

Long live the Republic of Artsakh! Long live the Republic of Armenia! Long live all the sons and daughters of the Armenian people who sacrificed for our freedom!

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan