We Must Not Allow Disruption of Armenian Unity on the Artsakh Issue: Serzh Sargsyan's Congratulatory Message on the 28th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Artsakh Republic

The third President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the declaration of the Artsakh Republic.

In his message, he stated: "Dear compatriots, I congratulate all of us on the sacred holiday of the 28th anniversary of the independence declaration of the Artsakh Republic. September 2 is a pan-Armenian holiday, a symbol of unity that every year brings together Armenians all over the world to celebrate their victory and pride, while also being the subject of daily reflection regarding Artsakh, for which nothing has been spared for years in terms of reinforcement.

There are many testimonies of pan-Armenian care and love towards Artsakh, manifested through the construction of roads, schools, kindergartens, cultural centers, churches, and housing over the past three decades, turning these into a reality thanks to the contributions gathered from our compatriots living around the world and in our homeland, all wishing to see a strong and secure Artsakh as soon as possible.

Artsakh chose its steadfast path 28 years ago and made that irrevocable decision, feeling the strength of unity of thousands of Armenians raising their fists high in Yerevan's Freedom Square and many cities around the world. Under no circumstances should we allow a disruption of Armenian unity on the Artsakh issue. Today it is as dangerous as it could have been during the years of the war for liberation. Failing to recognize this means endangering the homeland for temporary, personal, political, or other fleeting interests.

Today, I want to especially congratulate my combat comrades, including the President of the Artsakh Republic, Bako Sahakyan, and all previous leaders.

Your Excellency, President Sahakyan,