Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, in a Facebook post today, welcomed the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.

Here’s Harutyunyan’s post:

On behalf of the authorities and people of the Republic of Artsakh I welcome the decision of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.

The right of nations to self-determination, to build their own state is inalienable for every people, is a fundamental principle of international law.

The establishment of an independent state, its international recognition becomes imperative especially in the face of ontological dangers, as it is a rather influential and civilized means of preventing bloodshed and humanitarian catastrophe. The Artsakh Republic has been fighting for its freedom, security and state-building for decades; it has had to go through many hardships and genocidal actions many times.

Therefore, we are convinced that the Artsakh Republic, which has relevant historical, political, legal and moral indisputable bases, has earned the international recognition of its sovereign state.

Congratulations to the people of Donbas on this historic event. We hope that strong peace and stability will be restored in this once prosperous country.