Dear compatriots, Respected veterans of the Great Patriotic War, Soldiers, officers and generals of the NKR Defense Army

I congratulate you on the Victory Holiday, the Day of the NKR Defense Army and the liberation of Shoushi, a festive that is very much valuable and memorable day for all of us. It has become the symbol of our national victories.

Tens of thousands of Artsakh people partook at in the Great Patriotic War. Fighting in different battlefields they also defended the Motherland and the bright future of the Armenian nation. Their lives set an example of audacity, heroism and courage for generations to come, the ones who stood to defend the right to live freely and independently in their native land.We must surround all the veterans of the Great Patriotic war with warmth and care. The victory in the Artsakh war was splendidly crowned with the liberation of Shoushi. It was the beginning of the military success of our Defense Army forged in the hearth of national-liberation struggle. The NKR Defense Army is our pride and our greatest achievement that keeps honorably fulfilling the assigned task. Compatriots, we must always remember the price of the gained victories. We should remember for the sake of our perished sisters and brothers, for the sake of realizing their unfinished work, dreams and goals. Eternal glory to our martyrs! It is our duty to make their goals and dreams to be fulfilled, to stand behind their families, support and help them. On this festive day I extend my gratitude to all of those who have made invaluable contributions to our victories. It was the victory of the entire Armenian nation, its steadfastness, unity and cohesion and the very spirit of this victory should lead us also in daily life, in all our undertakings. I am thankful to all servicemen of our Defense army, to privates and high ranking officers who devotedly serve to the Motherland. Dear friends, I cordially congratulate you once again on this solemn day and wish you peace, happiness, stabile and secure live. Stepanakert, 9 May 2009