In his message on the occasion of Victory and Peace Day, celebrated on May 9 to commemorate victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, the end of WWII, and the liberation of Shushi, newly-elected Armenian Prime Minister drew parallels between those heroic victories and the victory people’s movement he spearheaded in recent weeks.

Pashinyan first gave thanks to those who died in those past battles, saying that the peace they achieved opened “new doors and vistas for our people.”

“We bow our heads to the memory of all our martyrs and confirm that any violation of the freedom of the individual or nation will not be tolerated. It will not be tolerated because our people possess humane ideals, a freedom-loving spirit, as well as a united will to defend those ideals,” Pashinyan’s message reads.

He concludes by saying that the peaceful velvet revolution that took place in Armenia is proof anew that Armenians have a clear understanding of freedom, democracy and the desire for peace.

“Dear people, proud citizens of Armenia, I have no doubt that the victorious spirit of the Armenian people, buoyed by recent events, will bring new victories to Armenia and Artsakh. The Armenian people are walking steadfastly on the path towards realizing their dreams.