First President of the Artsakh Republic, second President of Armenia and Artsakh Hero Robert Kocharyan has sent a congratulatory message on Independence of the Artsakh Republic.

"Dear Artsakh Armenians,

I warmly congratulate you on the Artsakh Republic Independence Day. As a result of the 44-day war Artsakh suffered severe losses and faces uncertainty at present. Your unbending will to live on your own land and develop is the guarantee for preserving the Artsakh statehood. I am confident you realize the seriousness of the situation. We must do everything together to defend the Artsakh Republic," the message read.