Artsakh President Bako Sahakian speaking at a reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh Republic. (Photo: president.nkr.am)
STEPANAKERT—On September 2, Artsakh will celebrate its 25th Independence anniversary.
On Thursday, September 1, Artsakh President Bako Sahakian held a reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh Republic Declaration of Independence.
In his speech, Sahakian said that the proclamation of the Artsakh Republic was a significant and crucial event opening a new and glorious page in the history of our people.
Reception at Sahakian’s residence (Photo: president.nkr.am)
“The formation of the Artsakh Republic is the joint achievement of the whole Armenian nation, one of its greatest victories. Its independence and security are exclusive values that are not subject to any speculation. There is no return to the past for us. Any such attempt is pregnant with unpredictable consequences and is doomed to failure. We are looking towards the future that will undoubtedly be bright for our people and state,” said Sahakian.
Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian, former Artsakh President Arkadi Ghoukasyan, primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, Artsakh National Assembly chairman Ashot Ghoulyan, Prime Minister Arayik Haroutyunyan, high-ranking officials from Artsakh and Armenia, Diaspora representatives and guests from abroad partook in the reception.
Sahakian and other officals attended the mass youth cross race in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square. (Photo: president.nkr.am)
As a part of the day’s celebratory events, Sahakian attended the mass youth cross race in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square.
The Head of State said that organizing such events in the Republic are essential to see Artsakh’s younger generation’s physical and patriotic upbringing.
Ghoulyan, Haroutyunyan, governmental officials, and representatives from Armenia and the Diaspora were present at the event.
Attendees of reception honoring dozens of public servants, freedom fighters, and diplomats for their work in contributing to the development of the Artsakh Republic. (Photo: president.nkr.am)
Later in the day, a solemn award ceremony took place at Sahakian’s residence.
Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh Republic, Sahakian signed decrees awarding state, public and political figures of Artsakh, Armenia and foreign countries, active participants of the Artsakh national-liberation struggle, freedom-fighters, diplomats and philanthropists.
According to the decrees for bravery and courage shown during the defense of the Artsakh state borders and combat actions for the defense of Artsakh, seven individuals were posthumously awarded with Battle Cross order of the 1st degree, one individual was awarded with Battle Cross order of the 2nd degree posthumously, nine individuals were awarded with the “For Courage” medal, one of them posthumously, and 267 individuals with “For Service in Battle” medal, one of them posthumously.
Eight individuals were awarded with Grigor Lousavorich order, one of them posthumously, 18 persons were awarded with Mesrop Mashtots order, two of them posthumously, 11 individuals with Mkhitar Gosh medal, 16 individuals with the Vachagan Barepasht medal, two of them posthumously, 12 individuals with Anania Shirakatsi medal, two of them posthumously, 78 persons and 4 organizations were awarded with The Gratitude medal.
In addition, a group of people were awarded honorary titles for contributing to the development of science, culture, art, health care and economy in Artsakh.
Sahakian congratulated the attendees on the state holiday and for being awarded with high awards expressed confidence that the state awards would give a new impetus to their work and service for the benefit of the country and people.
Archbishop Martirosyan, Ghoulyan, Haroutyunyan and other officials were present at the event.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Celebrations Begin in Artsakh for 25th Anniversary of Independence