BAKO SAHAKIAN SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES TO PRESIDENTS OF ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA ON OCCASION OF THEIR INDEPENDENCE

Noyan Tapan

Au g 28, 2008

STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 28, NOYAN TAPAN. The President of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakian sent a congratulatory message to
the President of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergei Bagapsh on August
28. The message reads:

"On behalf of the people of Nagorno Karabakh Republic and myself, I
warmly congratulate you and the people of Abkhazia on the significant
event – recognition of the state independence of the Republic of
Abkhazia. It was with a sincere joy that the people of Artsakh learned
that long-awaited news. Abkhazia has achieved what it has been long
striving for, overcoming numerous difficulties with dignity. I am sure
that the international recognition of independence will give a new
impetus to the development and prosperity of Abkhazia. I congratulate
once again you and the friendly people of Abkhazia and wish you peace,
prosperity and welfare."

NT was informed by the Main Information Department of the NKR
Presidential Staff that on the same day B. Sahakian also sent a
congratulatory message on behald of the people of the NKR and himself
to the President of the Republic of South Ossetia Edward Kokoyta
on the occasion of recognition of South Ossetia’s independence. The
message reads:

"The South Ossetian people’s path to independence was a thorny one,
full of difficulties and losses. However, the republic had the strength
and overcame those difficulties with dignity. Artsakh is glad to
learn about the recognition of the independence of the Republic of
South Ossetia. I congratulate once again you and the friendly people
of South Ossetia. May peace reign for ever in your country. I wish
prosperity and welfare to all of you."