Armenian Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan congratulated the Armenian nation on Nagorno Karabakh's Independence Day, the RA government's press office reported. PM Sargsyan's address says in part, "Dear compatriots, I congratulate you on the 16th anniversary of NKR independence. It's the day of pride, unity and hope for our own strengths. Sometimes one historical moment may seem longer than dozens of years. Golden pages of the Armenian history are being written by the facts of formation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

Young Nagorno Karabakh Republic makes mature steps towards state building, democracy development and economy strengthening. The Republic of Armenia will remain the guarantor of security of the Artsakhi people.

Today we bow to commemorate all those sons of the Armenian nation who made this holiday possible at cost of their blood and devotion. I am convinced that independent, prosperous and recognized Nagorno Karabakh is the best tribute to their memory.

I extend my congratulations with a firm conviction that the aspiration to live freely in a democratic society can resist any challenge."