ARKADY GHOUKASSIAN: WE ARE MASTERS OF OUR FATE, AND IT’S UP TO US TO SAY LAST WORD IN ISSUE OF DECIDING OUR FUTURE

Noyan Tapan
May 09 2007

SHOUSHI, MAY 9, NOYAN TAPAN. A military parade took place on May 9
in Shoushi on the occasion of 15th anniversary of Shoushi liberation,
62th anniversary of historic victory in the Great Patriotic War and Day
of Nagorno Karabakh Republic Defence Army. Leaders of NKR and Republic
of Armenia Arkady Ghoukassian and Robert Kocharian, other high-ranking
officials took part in the parade. In his greeting speech NKR President
Arkady Ghoukassian mentioned the firm and resolute will of the people
having built victories, its ability to unite and consolidate.

As NKR President mentioned in his speech, heroically fighting in remote
fronts in the Great Patriotic War, Armenians realized very well that
with that they also defended their native land. Dozens of years later
volunteers of Artsakh, as well as of various parts of Armenia and
Diaspora won brilliant victories in fights for Karabakh independence.

Day of Nagorno Karabakh Republic Defence Army is also marked on May 9:
as NKR President estimated, the army with its discipline and fighting
efficiency is indeed considered as model in our region. "An army, which
became firm and reliable guarantor of independence of our people and
state," the NKR President said. "In the history of Armenian people of
many centuries 15 years is only a second, but it was enough to build
our sovereign statehood, always having careful attitude of motherland
and Diaspora. Thanks to this Shoushi liberation was ensured, which
strengthened the will, the hope and belief," A. Ghoukassian said.

NKR President assured that henceforth NKR will remain loyal to the
proclaimed principles of freedom, independence and democracy. "We are
the masters of our fate, and it’s up to us to say the last word in the
issue of deciding our future. This is the firm will of our people,
NKR government obliges this to us, under the high aegis of which we
mark May triple holiday for the first time." NKR President in his
greeting speech praised and expressed gratitude to all those who stood
at the sources of creation of NKR armed forces, who sacrificed the
dearest thing, their life, for the sake of freedom and independence
of Artsakh, as well as wished mental power, hope and belief to his
companions-in-arms who are missing today.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress