Artsakh marks 19th anniversary of being a Republic

Today marks the 19th anniversary of proclamation of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.

The Republic of Nagorno Karabakh was declared on September 2, 1991, within the boundaries of Autonomous Nagorno Karabakh and adjoining Shaumian province. The Declaration on Nagorno Karabakh was adopted by joint session of people’s deputies of Nagorno Karabakh and Shaumian Assembly with participation of Soviet lawmakers of all levels and in line with the USSR law and the international legislation on people’s right to self-determination.

On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, or Artsakh as it is also called, NKR President Bako Sahakian signed on August 30 a law on awarding the honored people with medals, a spokesperson to presidential administration said.

Seven persons, of these six were honored posthumously, were awarded with The Bravery Medal for their efforts in war to defend the homeland.

Other 392 persons, of them 16 posthumously, were awarded with The Military Merit Medal for their bravery and contributions to military operations, and for efforts to ensure the combat readiness of troops and for defense service at borders.

The Order of Mesrop Mashtots was awarded to one recipient for merits and contribution to the homeland; The Gratitude Medal went to three recipients, of these one person was awarded posthumously.