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"Today, marks the 30th anniversary of Armenia's Independence, yet we lack the happiness to celebrate this significant date," Armenia's second president Robert Kocharyan said in a message on the occasion of the Independence Day celebrated in Armenia on September 21. 

"We meet this holiday first time after the planned severe defeat, territorial losses, partial loss of our sovereignty and distortion of thousands of fates," Kocharyan added. 

In his words, the establishment of Armenia as an independent state was inseparably connected with the Artsakh victory which had turned into a part of Armenian identity. "A year ago, we were proud of our Armed Forces and were a significant factor in the geopolitics of the South Caucasus. Today, not only we stopped to be a guarantor for Artsakh security but also unable to defend our sovereignty and citizens. We lost what has been a source of pride for the past 30 years and what gave strength and geopolitical weight to our country and," said Kocharyan. 

In the words of the president, states are built on national revival and rested on national unity. The defeat and the authorities symbolizing it can not be a source of inspiration and creation.  

"Today, congratulating on the Independence Day, I want to express hope and confidence that the nation will find the strength to get rid of this leadership which caused national disaster. There is no other way to build a strong and prospering Armenia," the message concluded.