TRIPLE HOLIDAY CELEBRATED IN NKR

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2009-05-11 15:31
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

On May 9, festive events took place in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,
on the occasion of the Day of Victory at the Great Patriotic War,
Creation of the NKR Defense Army, and Liberation of Shushi.

An official delegation from the Republic of Armenia, with President
Serge Sargsian at the head, participated in the celebrations.

A ceremony of putting wreaths and flowers on the deceased soldiers’
monument at the Stepanakert Memorial Complex, on the tank-monument at
the approaches to the town of Shushi, and on the monument to prominent
statesman and military leader Vazgen Sargisian took place. A ceremony
of handing new flats’ keys to 16 servicemen of the NKR Defense Army
took place in Shushi.

On the occasion of the holiday, a grand meeting took place at the
Stepanakert Officer’s Palace, with the participation of the NKR and
RA Presidents, official and public representatives and guests. NKR
President Bako Sahakian gave a ceremonial reception.

Concerts, sport events, and other outdoor festivities took place all
over the Republic.

The festivities were completed with fireworks in the Central Revival
Square of Stepanakert.

On the occasion of the holiday, the NKR President signed corresponding
rewarding decrees. The NKR highest title of Hero of Artsakh was
conferred on Arkady Ter-Tadevosian and=2 0a Golden Eagle decoration
was presented to him for his outstanding services in the organization
of the Republic’s defense and for his personal courage and bravery.

In his interview to journalists, Bako Sahakian noted that the
negotiation process on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement was
hampered by the fact that Nagorno Karabakh didn’t participate in it
equally with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"Armenia’s President uses all his efforts to restore the provisions
of the Budapest Summit, according to which Nagorno Karabakh is an
equal party to the negotiations", the NKR President stated.

The head of state emphasized that the issue was discussed with the
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen who, according to him, also consider
that Nagorno Karabakh should participate in the negotiation process.

"Everybody realizes that no final solution is possible without Nagorno
Karabakh’s participation", emphasized Bako Sahakian.