Bako Sahakian: The Presidential Elections Marked a New Victory on the Path of Building a Legal State

STEPANAKERT — NKR President Bako Sahakian issued an address in connection with the July 19 Presidential elections. The message reads, in part:
“Dear compatriots,
The 5th presidential elections in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic have become fait accompli. These elections marked a new victory on the path of building a legal state and realizing our national aspirations. They are another manifestation of the nation’s high civil stance and wisdom. The people of Artsakh once again reconfirmed their adherence to international norms and standards, their irreversible determination to build a free, independent and fair state.
I express deep gratitude to citizens of Artsakh for participating in the elections, to my supporters who entrusted high confidence in me as well as those who voted for the other presidential candidates. For me there is no greater and binding power than my nation’s confidence in and responsibility for our country’s future. We are ready and resolute in carving this future.
I also express my gratitude to international observers who have arrived in our country for monitoring the elections and qualified it as corresponding to international standards, free, fair and transparent. Their opinions, evaluations and recommendations are of utmost importance for the development of our state and its democratic institutions.
During the last five years much work has been done in our country, nevertheless, a lot still has to be done. We will be consistent in solving the existing problems, eliminating drawbacks and shortcomings. Everything possible will be done to develop and strengthen our state, raise the fighting efficiency of the Defense Army, increase the living standards of our people, expand and deepen the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity. I am confident that with joint efforts we will be able to accomplish our national goals and aspirations and record new victories.
Let us keep working for the sake of Artsakh, for the sake of our future.”