The President of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, sent a wish during the New Year and Christmas holidays.

"Dear compatriots, we welcome 2023 under extraordinary conditions. In addition to the many aggressions and provocations carried out against the civilian population of the Republic of Artsakh throughout the past year, Azerbaijan also closed the only road connecting Artsakh to Mother Armenia on December 12, putting us in front of new challenges.

On the way to overcoming various difficulties and trials, our people became stronger and stronger, once again reaffirming their will and determination to live and create freely and independently on their land. Our people did not lack such deprivations during the centuries, especially during the last decades, but they overcame the challenges through a determined and united struggle. Therefore, I am sure that we will pass this most challenging crisis with honor.

Dear friends, on this holiday, I want to thank you for supporting each other and facing the current challenges with dignity. Many of our families are divided this New Year's Eve. I want to apologize, especially to those children who are far from their parents, for the always ineffectiveness of our efforts to open the way to live in Artsakh.

I want to remember and pay our respects to the memory of the devotees of the Motherland. We can keep it alive only with Armenian Artsakh, living, and fighting in Artsakh. Be sure that, living in this cozy corner of the motherland and heroically overcoming the difficulties, each of us is fulfilling an essential mission in our way for the sake of the existence of the Armenian people and its future.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to our brothers and sisters in Mother Armenia and the Diaspora, to all those who are with us, by our side, and to show their support and support to Artsakh in these difficult days. Peace, prosperity, determination, hope, and faith to us all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."