A military parade was held in Stepanakert, Nagorno Karbakh, dedicated to Victory Day, 20th anniversary of the Defense Army of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Liberation of Shushi.
The event was attended by President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan, Serzh Sargsyan, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, and other officials.
In his addressing speech, NKR President Bako Sahakyan congratulated everyone on the holiday which, he said, has ‘one of the most cherished nationwide holidays.'
"On this solemn day, I first of all bow my head before the bright memory of our brave sons perished for the motherland's liberation. Eternal honor and glory to our martyrs.
Shushi, our ancient fortress, a cultural and spiritual center, that was in captivity for years, is reviving and getting a new breath of life today. Our army is our pride and one of the greatest achievements which accomplished and nowadays continues with credit its sacred mission of the motherland's defender
We will continue doing everything to keep the army strong and victorious, with a high level of fighting capacity and strong spirit, ready to realize any task assigned to it," said Mr Sahakyan.
The NKR President stressed that people who were born in the liberated homeland and keep its boundaries firm were proudly standing in the parade ranks.
"Together with those who gained our cherished victory today's servicemen of the Artsakh army steadily defend the security of their native land and peaceful life of their own people. This has been so for 20 years, so will it be forever.
Glory to the heroic Armenian people,
Glory to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,
Glory to the Defense Army and its brave soldiers,
Hurrah!"
