Karabakh celebrates 23rd anniversary of independence

YEREVAN, September 2. /ARKA/. Artsakh is celebrating today the 23rd anniversary of declaration of independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

Various events, including official receptions and awarding ceremonies are to be held in the capital and the provinces of the country. The first lessons of 2014/2015 academic year were about NKR’s Independence Day. Members of the parliament, the cabinet members and veterans of the Karabakh war have participated in ‘courage classes’ in schools.

‘Fire Ring’ opera by Avet Terteryan will be performed in Shushi. Concerts, sports events and folk festivals are scheduled in Stepanakert and regional centers of the country, to be followed by a firework at Revival Square in the capital.

Armenia’s president Serzh Sargsyan is currently in Karabakh to participate in the festivities.

On September 2, 1991, a joint session of Nagorno-Karabakh local government and Shahumyan regional council declared independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as per the USSR Law provision enabling ethnic autonomies making independent decisions about their status. NKR’s sovereignty was confirmed in a referendum of December 10, 1991, where 99.89% of the population voted for independence.

Today Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is an accomplished statehood with all modern attributes, including democratic traditions, independent foreign policy, dynamic economic development, a capable army enjoying public confidence. –0--