The second President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharyan issued a statement which reads:

“Dear people of Artsakh,

I warmly congratulate you on the Independence Day of the Artsakh Republic.

As a result of the 44-day war, Artsakh suffered heavy losses and is now facing great uncertainties. Today, the guarantee of preserving the statehood of Artsakh is your unbreakable will to live on your own land, to develop it.

I am sure that you realize the seriousness of the situation. We must do our best together to defend the Artsakh Republic.

Robert Kocharyan,

2 September, 2021.”