Arayik Harutyunyan Issues a Statement

The President of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, has sent a message on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Artsakh. In his message, he stated:

“Dear compatriots, September 2, 1991, entered the history of the Armenian people as a fateful and decisive day. The joint session of the elected representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and the Shahumyan Regional Council adopted the declaration of independence of the Republic of Artsakh, proclaiming to the world the formation of the second Armenian Republic. The moment was historic; the people's decision to live free and independent was unbreakable, their will resolute, and their spirit invincible.

However, the path to building a democratic state in accordance with the norms and principles of international law was full of unspeakable trials and difficulties. The 44-day war in 2020 became a new tragedy for the Armenian people, taking the lives of thousands of our brave sons and altering many destinies. We are grateful to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence of our homeland and the dignified existence of the Armenian people; we bow before their bright memory and proud relatives.

The connection between Artsakh and the Motherland is currently secured by the new route of the 'Lachin Corridor,' the safety of which is ensured by the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation in coordination with the relevant structures of our Republic. We are deeply thankful to our compatriots living in the Motherland and the Diaspora for their unwavering support, to the Russian Federation for its significant mission in Artsakh, and to all the states, political, and social figures who have stood by our side all these years, remaining committed to the universal values of justice, humanity, and democracy.

After 31 years, the people of Artsakh firmly and decisively declare that, despite all the trials of time, they remain loyal to their adopted decision and faithful to their chosen path, which is irreversible and unshakeable. Artsakh must always stand firm, be Armenian, and continue its journey on the path of independence.”