BAKO SAHAKIAN: INDEPENDENCE OF ARTSAKH IS NOT SUBJECT TO BARGAINING

Noyan Tapan

Se p 1, 2008

STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 1, NOYAN TAPAN. The President of the NKR Bako
Sahakian made an address in connection with the day of the Nagorno
Karabagh Republic. The text of the address was submitted to NT by the
Central Information Department of the Office of th NKR President. It
reads:

"Dear compatriots,

On September the 2nd we celebrate the day of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic, a holiday which has a special significance for our
nation. On this very day a new chapter in the history of Artsakh
was opened. It became the commencement of restoration of independent
Armenian statehood.

17 years ago the people of Artsakh set about to realize their
century-long dream of a building free and independent, democratic
and social state. This extremely difficult path we have been able to
overcome due to the unbreakable will, unity and cohesion. Artsakh
has become the symbol of rebirth of the triumphant spirit of the
Armenian people.

In the course of recent years we have succeeded both to reconstruct
the economy ruined by war and but also to lay a solid foundation
for further development of the state. Deepening and strengthening
Artsakh-Armenia-Diaspora relations, combining efforts and potential
of world-spread Armenians, we have begun to find effective solutions
to various problems our republic faces, improve living standards of
the population and develop construction and infrastructures.

Today we can proudly state that we have a strong and efficient army,
a harmoniously developing country that meets international norms and
standards and is considered to be one of the key factors of stability
in the region.

We should always remember what price has been paid for the present
free and peaceful life, what losses and hardship our nation suffered on
its way to independence. The best sons of the nation gave their lives
to the defense of the Motherland. Everlasting glory and honor to them!

We are obliged to fulfill the cherished dream of our martyrs: gain
international recognition of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic and leave
for the generations to come strong and independent, peaceful and
prosperous Motherland. Be confident, it is a matter of time!

The NKR authorities are committed to the idea that conflicts should
be settled exclusively by peaceful means through direct and frank
dialogue.

Everybody should realize once and forever that the independence of
Artsakh has no alternative and is not subject to bargaining.

Dear people of Artsakh, I cordially congratulate all of us on this
symbolic holiday and wish good health, happiness and further success
to the glory of the bright and serene future of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic."