NKR PRESIDENT’S CONGRATULATION

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
01 Jan 05

Life moves ahead. Little time is left until the moment when will
announce the beginning of the year 2005. Undoubtedly, each of us is
hopeful that all our cherished hopes will come true in the New Year. I
wish that the New Year bea peaceful year and we may live and work
quietly, bring up our children, and make Artsakh more beautiful and
strong. The passing year was successful for the country in all
respects. We did not undergo political and social shocks. Owing to the
reforms carried out in the country economic growth and a stable
tendency of increasing volume of production were reported. Economic
growth fulfils its main task, i.e. improvement of quality of life. In
the passing year the government was able to increase the salaries of
state budget-paid workers, benefits and allowances paid to the
families of killed and missing azatamartiks, the disabled, veterans of
war, large families. Next year the government will begin building
homes for socially insecure families. Pensions and other benefits will
be increased. The salaries of workers of health, education, culture
and sport will increase as well. I want to mention especially that in
the statebudget 2005 expenses on social needs were increased by 30 per
cent. In the passing year basis was provided for the rapid completion
of the highway “North-South” which has a strategic, economic and
social importance for Artsakh. Once again I want to thank our
compatriots abroad and the friends of Artsakh for their active
participation in the telethon held in the USA in November to aid the
Republic of Nagorni Karabakh and congratulate them on Christmas and
the NewYear. I characterize the unprecedented success of the telethon
as the confidence of the Diaspora in the public, political, social and
economic reforms, steps directed at building a civil society in
Artsakh. Proud of our success, at the same time we are bolder in
revealing the drawbacks hindering the development of Artsakh. The
principle evaluation of the activity of authorities was given at the
republic consultation of all the branches of power of Nagorni
Karabakh. It was mentioned that care for everyday needs of our
citizens must become the main problem of each official person. In the
passing year the army was strengthened even more, its effectiveness
was increased. The problems of the NKR Defence Army, including social
problems, remain in the center of attention of the government. The
power of our army enables us to conduct a successful foreign policy
directed at the protection of the interests of Artsakh and its people
abroad.

I assure that every attempt on the part of Azerbaijan to disturb the
peaceful creative life of our people will receive an adequate
counterblow from the NKR Defence Army. I am sure that we have all the
opportunities to improve our life, develop Artsakh. Therefore all of
us and each of us must be the creator of our country and not mere
viewers. I wish you a Happy New Year, good health, unity, love and
mutual understanding. Let the year 2005 bring peace and prosperity to
your families and fill your homes with warmth and happiness. Happy
holiday, friends.

AA.
01-01-2005