On 1 September a solemn ceremony of awarding took place at the residence of the Artsakh Republic President. President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia who arrived in Artsakh yesterday to partake in the independence celebrations was present at the event. In connection with the 20th anniversary of the NKR proclamation a group of Artsakh liberation movement activists, freedom fighters and servicemen, distinguished public figures and politicians, philanthropists, scientists, workers of culture, education and sports spheres, journalists from Artsakh, the Republic of Armenia, Diaspora and abroad were decorated with state awards. Bako Sahakyan congratulated the attendees on the memorable holiday and on being decorated with state awards. The President called September 2, 1991 a historical day, a turning point in the life of the Armenian nation that marked the formation of Artsakh’s independent statehood and has been enchased the chronicle of our history with golden letters. The President underlined the invaluable contribution of our compatriots from the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora in the creation of our statehood as well as all our friends who are have been actively supporting the people of Artsakh during those years. President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan delivered a congratulatory speech too. The Head of Republic qualified Artsakh Republic’s proclamation as an important event for the whole Armenian nation, underlining that it is a holiday of freedom and dignity of a human being and a nation, restoration of violated rights and the victory of historical justice. President Sargsyan called Artsakh te pride of the world spread Armenians. Speaker of the National Assembly Ashot Ghoulyan, prime-minister Ara Haroutyunyan, other officials, guests from Armenia, Diaspora and abroad were present at the event.

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