On June 20, President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan issued a letter of condolence over the death of Elena Bonner, a prominent human rights activist and publicist.

“In the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, we have learnt with deep sorrow about the death of Elena Bonner, a person who enjoyed great respect in our country,” reads the letter addressed to the family members.

“From the very beginning of the national-liberation movement in Karabakh, Elena Bonner had been actively protecting the right of our nation to self-determination. She visited our country and together with us fought for restoration of historical justice and from the highest rostrums demanded to stop human rights violation pursued by Azerbaijan in Nagorno Karabakh.

Accept my deep and sincere condolences. In this difficult hour, the people and authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic share with you the whole pain and sorrow of this irretrievable loss. We shall always keep in mind the bright memory of Elena Bonner.”