President Armen Sarkissian, who is in Artsakh on a working visit, together with the President of Artsakh Bako Sahakian visited the Stepanakert memorial.
The Presidents paid tribute to the soldiers who fell in the Artsakh freedom fight and the Great Patriotic War, and to the memory of the First President of the Supreme Council of Artsakh Arthur Mkrtchian.
Responding to the questions of the journalists, the President of Armenia said,
“This is not only Independence Day holiday but also the day of victory and confidence towards the future. This is the day which brought back pride for our entire Armenian nation, sweet taste of victory, confidence in our strength and our future.
In a way, this day is the day of mission and national identity for our people. I am full of pride and joy; however, at this moment, standing here at this memorial, I cannot help but thinking how high was the price of that victory, pride and confidence towards the future – the price was the lives of the best of people. Our guys’ sacrifice was not in vain. They gave their lives so that this country becomes stronger, so that Armenians all over the world, our entire Armenian nation in Armenia, Spyurk and Artsakh are able to build a proud, strong, and powerful Fatherland.”