NKR: Lachin Corridor

LACHIN CORRIDOR

Azat Artsakh Daily, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
22 May 07

On May 18 the 15th anniversary of opening of Lachin corridor was
marked in Berdzor, the center of Kashatagh. Fifteen years ago,
after the liberation of Shushi the Armenian force went on to
liberate Lachin and opened a corridor connecting Karabakh and
Armenia. NKR President Arkady Ghukasian, Speaker Ashot Ghulian,
members of parliament, ministers, heads of regional administrations
took part in the celebration. The delegation of the region of Syunik,
Armenia led by the governor Surik Khachatrian was also present. The
celebration started at the center of Berdzor. The participants first
honored the soldiers killed during the liberation of (Lachin). After
laying wreaths to the memorial in Berdzor, the children of the local
school gave a performance. Afterwards the participants walked to
St Resurrection Church of Berdzor, tracing the footsteps of the
azatamartiks in May 1992. The mess at St. Resurrection Church was
followed by an official meeting devoted to the 15th anniversary of the
liberation of Lachin. Ernest Ghevondian, head of the administration
of Kashatagh, Arthur Mnatsakanian, head of the regional branch of the
Union of Azatamartiks of Artsakh, and an old inhabitant of Kashatagh
Alla Sargsian addressed the meeting. President Ghukasian awarded
medals to azatamartiks from Kashatagh. The Union of Azatamartiks
of Artsakh, Yerkrapah Union of Armenia and the Armenian Ministry of
Defense also awarded medals to azatamartiks living in Kashatagh. In his
congratulation speech NKR President Ghukasian said "we must reconstruct
all the liberated territories." "We will never be disappointed, we
must believe that we can," he said. "Do not believe in tales that
Kashatagh will be returned to Azerbaijan. It will never happen,"
President Ghukasian stated.

The celebrations continued near the church with a concert.