May 28, 2007 - 14:34 AMT
First Republic laid basis for development of our new state system, Kocharian said
Armenian President Robert Kocharian congratulated the Armenian people on the Day of the First Republic, the RA leader's press office said.

"Dear compatriots, I congratulate you on the Day of Republic. In May 1918 the heroic struggle and victories of our nation resulted in formation of the Republic of Armenia. After a century-long break the Armenian independent state system was restored. Despite its short life, that republic laid a firm basis for legal, economic, scientific and cultural development of our new state system. May 28 is one of the brightest pages of our latest history, the foundation of present-day Armenia.

Congratulating you on this solemn day I wish our people could follow the way that started May 28, since this way symbolizes the immortal values of national independence and freedom," the President's message says.

Today President Kocharian attended the memorial of Sardarapat to lay a wreath in commemoration of the heroes of the Sardarapat struggle that took place May 26, 1918. RA NA Speaker Tigran Torosian, Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, NKR President Arkady Ghukasian, ministers and diplomats were also present at the solemn ceremony.