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Celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Proclamation have launched today, September 1. According to the programme  of the events, published by the National Assembly of Artsakh, classes entitled “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is 25 years old” will be held in all educational institutions of Artsakh. Also, Sports and cultural events at Renaissance Square in Stepanakert and concert of Military Orchestra at Stepanakert central park will take place.

The celebrations on September 2 will begin with a procession from Renaissance Square to the Memorial Complex, then a flower-laying ceremony at Stepanakert Memorial Complex. Outdoor holiday events in different parts of Stepanakert will also be held. Exhibition entitled “The History of the Currency of Armenian” will open at NKR Culture and Youth Palace. Holiday Concert and fireworks at Renaissance Square will follow the opening of Shushi hotel complex.

The celebrations will continue on September 3 as well with opening of a new district in the village of Aghavno, Kashatagh region.

The Nagorno Karabagh Republic was formed on September 2, 1991 by the former Nagorno Karabagh Autonomous District and the adjacent region of Shahumyan. That day the joint session of councils of Nagorno Karabagh Autonomous District and Shahumyan Region with the participation of deputies of councils of all levels accepted a declaration of proclaiming the formation of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic . Legislative norms of the USSR and the right of nations to self-determination fixed in basic international documents became the legal basis of this act.

Later, using the right of holding independent referendum on its legal and state status fixed in Soviet legislation the NKR Council of People's Deputies adopted a decision to hold a referendum on independence of the republic. The referendum was held on December 10, 1991 in a situation of constant bombardment of Armenian settlement by Azerbaijani armed forces. 82.2% of the voters participated in referendum. The inhabitants of Getashen sub-region also participated in referendum thus legally fixed affiliation of the sub-region with the Nagorno Karabagh Republic. The majority of inhabitants that did not participate in referendum were inhabitants of Azerbaijani settlements. Ballot papers were published in Armenian, Azerbaijani and Russian languages. 99.89 % of voters who participated in the referendum voted for independence of the republic. The results of the referendum, as well as its democratic and transparent course were acknowledged by independent international observers.

The NKR Supreme Council (the parliament) that was formed on December 28, 1991 adopted a Declaration of Independence fixing by this both the results of the referendum and succession of legal documents implementing the right of the people of Nagorno Karabagh on self-determination of its political status.