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Nagorno-Karabakh Celebrates 18 Years Of Independence

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  • Nagorno-Karabakh Celebrates 18 Years Of Independence

    NAGORNO-KARABAKH CELEBRATES 18 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

    http://www.asbarez.com/2009/09/02/na gorno-karabakh-celebrates-18-years-of-independence /
    Sep 2, 2009

    STEPANAKERT-The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic marked the 18th anniversary
    of its independence from Soviet Azerbaijan on Wednesday with
    celebrations throughout the republic.

    An official commemoration, attended by state officials and clergy,
    was held at the Stepanakert memorial in honor of the freedom fighters
    lost during Karabakh's liberation from Azeri rule.

    The ceremony, which was preceded by a parade through Freedom Square,
    was presided over by Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan,
    Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian, former Armenian President Robert
    Kocharian, and former Karabakh President Arkady Ghukasyan.

    The celebration ceremonies also included the opening of the newly
    reconstructed Stepanakert military hospital, attended by officials
    from Armenia and Karabakh.

    Nagorno-Karabakh, a historic Armenian territory forcefully placed
    under Soviet Azerbaijan's jurisdiction in the early 1920s by Stalin,
    declared its independence on September 2, 1991. The move followed a
    nearly three year-long grassroots movement in Karabakh calling for
    self-determination and unification with Armenia that was met with
    pogroms and deportations against the Armenians in Azerbaijan and
    Nagorno-Karabakh by the Soviet Azeri leadership.

    Shortly after the September 2 declaration, Karabakh's population on
    December 10, 1991, held a general referendum and overwhelmingly voted
    in support of independence.

    Karabakh's independence was, however, met with violence as Azerbaijan
    engaged in an unsuccessful war against the young republic aimed
    at stifling its independence. A Russian-brokered ceasefire in 1994
    ended the conflict, but the republic, which has been developing its
    democratic institutions since independence, has yet to be recognized
    by the international community.

    This year's anniversary comes amid heightened unease as international
    mediators seek to pressure Armenia into signing an agreement with
    Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic's fate. The basic
    principles of the Karabakh peace process call for the return of nearly
    all of the seven historic Armenian districts liberated from Azerbaijan
    that currently comprise the Karabakh security belt, linking the
    mountainous republic to Armenia. According to the Basic Principles,
    Stepanakert, which has been left out of the negotiations thus far,
    will also be required to hold another referendum on its status at an
    undisclosed date.

    Many in Armenia and Karabakh fear that a peace deal under such terms
    will jeopardize the security and statehood of both Armenian republics.

    Below is Karabakh President Bako Sahakian's address to the nation on
    the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Karabakh's independence.

    Respected citizens of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic,

    Today we celebrate the 18th anniversary of formation of the Nagorno
    Karabagh Republic.

    On September 2, 1991 the people of Artsakh opened a new chapter in
    our ancient history, resolutely embarking on the hard and honorable
    path toward the building of a free and independent, sovereign and
    democratic state.

    >From the very first day of its formation our state was forced to solve
    hard problems and in the first place ensure security of the country and
    its citizens. Together with Armenia and the Diaspora, Artsakh carried
    out this mission with flying colors, defending state independence and
    further strengthening its security. Many Armenians sacrificed their
    lives in the defense of the Fatherland. Eternal glory to them!

    After the war, the state faced new challenges this time of an economic
    nature. We had to both restore the destroyed economy and lay a firm
    foundation for the further development of the state. The creative
    will of the Armenian people as well as the inexhaustible optimism and
    vigor of the people of Artsakh helped the Nagorno Karabagh Republic
    carry out these tasks in a relatively short period of time.

    Today our country shows stable growth; almost all the branches of
    economy are developing; the living standards of the population are
    rising; and the democratic system functioning in our state meets
    international norms and criteria. Artsakh stands as one of the key
    factors for preserving stability in the region and its international
    recognition is only a matter of time.

    The most important security guarantor of our state and people, the
    Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army, is able to give a fitting
    rebuff to any encroachment upon its independence and security. Still,
    there is a lot to do and we will only solve issues our republic faces
    and further develop our country through diligent and ongoing work.

    On the path of its development and state building the Nagorno Karabakh
    Republic follows the ideas of establishing friendly relations and
    peaceful existence with the neighboring states. We are confident that
    any dispute should be settled only by peaceful means, through direct
    and sincere dialog. At the same time there could be no doubts about
    the independence of Artsakh or even the slightest weakening of the
    republic's security. These unconditioned values are not subjects to
    any speculations.

    Dear compatriots, I heartily congratulate all of us on this holiday
    of utmost importance and wish you peace, health and all the best."

    President Serzh Sargsyan issued a congratulatory address on the
    occasion of the Nagorno Karabakh Independence Day, President's Press
    Office reported. The message reads:

    "Dear compatriots,

    I congratulate us all on the occasion of Nagorno Karabakh Independence
    Day.

    The past eighteen years reaffirmed the unambiguousness of the historic
    decision adopted in 1991. Today, the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh is
    a full-fledged state with its structures, army and most importantly,
    with the citizens who are the masters of their own destiny.

    Today, for us and for the international community Artsakh is a
    modern republic that embodies the ideals of freedom, sovereignty
    and democracy, and which is progressing despite all the obstacles
    and artificially created hindrances and hardships, developing its
    economy and culture, and defending peace.

    Throughout these years the Republic of Armenia and the entire Armenian
    nation have been and will continue to be Artsakh's sturdy supporters. I
    assure all the citizens of Artsakh and all Armenians that the peaceful
    resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will be first and foremost
    based on the consent and free will of the people of Artsakh.

    Dear people of Artsakh,

    We owe this holiday first of all to those who stepped into immortality
    sacrificing their lives for motherland and freedom. Bowing to their
    memory, I once again congratulate you on this holiday and wish you
    all well being, happiness and valor.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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