“Long Live Eternal Armenia. Glory to All Heroes”: Nikol Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s message on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, the liberation of Shushi, and the establishment of the Artsakh Defense Army:

“Dear compatriots,
I congratulate all of us on the occasion of Victory Day. 75 years ago on this day, our people, together with other peoples of the former Soviet Union, celebrated the victory over fascism, one of the greatest evils in human history. This victory was achieved through enormous human suffering, sacrifices, unprecedented courage, and perseverance.

The Armenian people played a significant role in shaping that victory and, as a consequence, in freeing the peoples of Europe from the calamity of fascism. More than half a million Armenians participated in the war within the Soviet Army. Thousands of Armenians fought in the resistance movements of European countries. The Armenian people sacrificed close to 300,000 lives on the altar of victory. For a nation that had only survived genocide a quarter of a century earlier, this was an unimaginable number, comparable only to the human losses of great powers.

By the end of the war, the population of Soviet Armenia had decreased by more than 13 percent, even though there had been no military operations on our land. Today, we bow in memory of our fallen heroes but are also proud of our ancestors’ bravery. During the war, 107 Armenians were honored with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the highest accolade awarded for extraordinary feats.

Particular pride is also due to the substantial material contribution made by the children of the Armenian people, living in Armenia and the Diaspora, and especially by the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, toward the victory. We have fully paid our debt in all the wars of the 20th century. And now, more than anyone else, we understand the value of peace. Our identity is best expressed in conditions of peace, through creative and vibrant work.

At the same time, knowing the price of peace, we are always ready to defend it at all costs and, if necessary, to fight once again for our freedom and dignity.

It is either a coincidence or perhaps a providential prerogative that during these days, we also celebrate the liberation of Shushi and the establishment of the Artsakh Defense Army. Events that had exceptional significance in our recent history. The liberation of Shushi marked the beginning of the liberation of Artsakh. Crowned with a brilliant victory, it has become a testament to our people's security and the preservation of peace.

Today, we are resolute: the security of the people of the Republic of Artsakh and the realization of the right to self-determination are not subject to negotiation. These are absolute values for us.

Let us remember and honor our heroes who fell for the liberation of Shushi and all of Artsakh. They stood as firmly as their ancestors did nearly half a century ago during World War II. Let us remember our young heroes who fell in the April Four-Day War, who proved with their lives that our people's desire for freedom and will are indomitable.

Glory to all the heroes who fought for the freedom of the Armenian people! Long live eternal Armenia!”