Armenian President Robert Kocharian issued a congratulatory message on occasion of Nagorno Karabakh's Independence Day, the RA leader's press office reported.

Mr Kocharian's statement says in part, "Dear compatriots, I congratulate you on the Independence Day of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. We mark the 16th anniversary of NKR independence and confirm the popular yearnings to live freely. The recent years have proved the viability of NKR and the determination of the Artsakhi people to build an independent and secure state.

Many sons of the Armenian nation gave their lives for free and prosperous Artsakh. Today we kneel before their memory.

I am convinced that the programs implemented in Artsakh will promote the welfare of the people guided by the newly elected President."