STEPANAKERT, MAY 10, NOYAN TAPAN-ARMENIANS TODAY. Congratulatory address of Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan in connection with the Victory Holiday, the Day of the NKR Defense Army and the Liberation of Shoushi: "Dear compatriots, Respected veterans of the Great Patriotic and Artsakh Liberation Wars, Soldiers, officers and generals of the Artsakh Republic Defense Army This year we celebrate a glorious jubilee - 65th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The people of Artsakh together with other peoples of the Soviet Union have had their significant contribution in forging this victory. Their heroic deeds and courage displayed in the struggle against fascism are an invaluable lesson of patriotism for younger generations. The heroic example of our compatriots in the Great Patriotic war inspired us and called to new victories. The NKR Defense Army was formed and tempered during the Artsakh liberation war, one of the heroic pages of our people's history was written with sacred blood of our brave sons. With the liberation of Shoushi the spirit and confidence of Armenian people towards their own power was again restores. Today we bow our heads to the memory of all patriots of our Motherland. We must keep alive the symbol of the May victories, love and cherish our Motherland, build powerful and prosperous country, be strong and united. We are obliged to be attentive and careful towards the families of our perished brothers and sisters, our veterans, to make their life better and prosperous. Dear people of Artsakh, I congratulate you once again on the Victory Holiday, the Day of the NKR Defense Army and the liberation of Shoushi, wish you peace, robust health and happiness". As it was reported by the central information department of the office of the Artsakh Republic President, President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan partook at the solemn event dedicated to the 9 May Triple Holiday held at the Officers' Palace in capital Stepanakert on 8 May. The Head of the State handed awards to a group of veterans of the Great Patriotic War and the Artsakh liberation struggle, soldiers of the Defense Army, as well as individuals having a considerable contribution to the development of the republic.

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