The year of our struggle and resolution…

Azat Artsakh Daily, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
22-02-2008

Twenty long years separate us from 1988. The year, which has become
turning for armenian people.
In 1988 our power and voice were octadrupled. A number of our relatives
was octadrupled. Eight times eight thousand demonstrators gathered in
the square of Stepanakert and resounded the word of their heart so,
that it became the trouble of all the humanity.
Twenty years later, on February 20th 2008, Veratsnund square of
Stepanakert was again filled. Free and Independent Artsakh celebrates
two tenth anniversaries of national-liberating movement.
National holiday began in Stepanakert from early morning: a number of
cultural arrangements took place in Veratsnund square, where then a
mass meeting took place. The participants with slogans of 1988,
demonstration tapestries, with proud and triumph from Hakhtanak square
marched here, where 20 years ago a historical great event took place.
Leaders of the republic, by the head of Bako Sahakian, the primate of
Artsakh diocese of Armenian Apostolic Church Pargev archbishop
Martirosian, the writer, publicist Zory Balaian, members of `Krunk’
organization, guests from Russian Federation, by the head of Andrey
Nuykin, were in the central tribune.
The vanguard of Artsakh movement Jane Galstian opened and held the
meeting.
The writer, publicist Zory Balaian didn’t forget to mention, that the
most terrible enemy was a split, which there wasn’t fortunately in
Karabakh and called to be always indivisible.
Numerous infants participated also in the meeting of 1988. They are
today of the same age and more. One of them was a journalist Tsovinar
Barkhudarian, whose speech was warmly listened by the participants of
the meeting.
In connection with the 20th anniversary of Artsakh movement, the NKR
President Bako Sahakian congratulated and sent a salutary address to
Artsakh people.
The mass meeting ended with pilgrimage: the participants, by the
leadership of leaders of the country visited Memorial Complex.
Continuation of arrangements devoted to the 20th anniversary of Artsakh
movement was again in Veratsnund square: a gala concert took place, and
in the end ` a firework.