The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, delivered a New Year’s message, in which it was stated:
«Dear compatriots,
We are welcoming 2023 under extraordinary circumstances. In addition to the numerous aggressions and provocations carried out against the peaceful population of the Republic of Artsakh throughout the past year, on December 12 Azerbaijan also closed the only road connecting Artsakh to Mother Armenia, confronting us with new challenges.
On the path of overcoming the various difficulties and trials, our people have become stronger and more resilient, once again reaffirming their will and determination to live freely and independently on their own land and to create.
Our people have not been unaccustomed to such deprivations over the centuries and especially during the recent decades, yet they have been able to overcome the challenges through determined and united struggle. Therefore, I am confident that we will also pass through this gravest crisis with honour.
Dear friends,
On this festive day, I want to thank you for supporting one another and for confronting the existing challenges with dignity.
On this New Year’s night, many of our families are divided. I want to apologise especially to those children who are far from their parents, for the still-ineffective results of our efforts to open the road of life for Artsakh.
I want us to remember and pay our respects to the memory of the devotees of the Homeland; we can keep it alive only with Armenian Artsakh, by living and struggling in Artsakh. Be assured that, living in this cherished corner of the homeland and heroically overcoming the mounting difficulties, each of us is fulfilling an important mission in our own way, for the sake of the existence of the Armenian people and their future.
I also want to express deep gratitude to our sisters and brothers in Mother Armenia and the Diaspora, to all those who are with us, by our side, showing their support and solidarity to Artsakh in these difficult days.
Peace, prosperity, determination, hope and faith to us all:
Happy New Year and Holy Christmas».
