General hands medal to Zori Balayan
"Regardless of who holds offices, this country must freely develop. Offices are transient, but not independence."
This is what President of the board of the Land Defenders' Union, Artsakh hero, General Manvel Grigoryan said during an event held at "Nor Kyank" water park in Togh village of Hadrut region of the NKR within the framework of a pilgrimage to Artsakh organized by the LDU.
The event was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Artsakh's independence and Knowledge Day.
"We gained our independence through our unity. I would like us to put an end to personal ambitions and unite around the idea of independence," General Grigoryan said.
The LDU board granted the "Land Defender's" highest, "Commander" Medal to writer, publicist Zori Balayan and knight of the 1st degree combat cross of the NKR Yerjanik Manasyan. Other freedom-fighters, state and public figures also received different medals.
Zori Balayan, who recently returned from a round-the-world navigation with the "Armenia" sailboat, informed that the successful navigation was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the two Armenian republics.
"What happened 20 years ago was what should have happened. If we hadn't established the current NKR instead of the previous ARNK and if we hadn't liberated Shushi, we wouldn't have scored a victory. If it wasn't for September 2, there wouldn't be September 21," Zori Balayan said.
NKR President Bako Sahakyan also participated in the event.
