President Raul Khadzhimba congratulated the people of Abkhazia on the Independence Day.
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Dear compatriots!
Today we are celebrating for the 22nd time our most important, most sacred day – the Independence Day of the Republic of Abkhazia.
A lot of time has gone by since that moment, when the banner of our Victory was raised on the Abkhazian border on the river of Ingur. Yet, even today our hearts are filled with joy and pride because we have achieved the most important dream of our nation. Despite all the sacrifices and losses that our nation went through, we are a happy generation because for the first time in many years, we have the opportunity to build our own state.
On this day, we remember with particular sadness our war comrades, who did not return from the battlefields. Among them are the citizens of our country, volunteers from North Caucasus and the whole of Russia, and representatives of our foreign diaspora.
Eternal memory and eternal glory to the heroes!
On behalf of the entire nation of Abkhazia, I want to bow before our dear mothers, who demonstrated courage and endurance, thus showing an invaluable support to our armed forces at the time when the fate of our Homeland was being decided.
I want to congratulate in particular the veterans of the Patriotic War of our nation. You are a living example to our young generations and active participants in the building of our state. I wish you to stand strong for many years.
On this day, we pay tribute to the Commander of our victorious army and the founder of modern Abkhazian state Vladislav Ardzinba, who used to be and will always be the symbol of our Victory. His talent and outstanding leadership qualities allowed us to endure the difficult post-war years and to create the foundations for the development of the state.
Today we are living in a peaceful and internationally recognised state, which has strong relations of cooperation with the Great Russia. Sergei Bagapsh played a great role in the solution of these important tasks.
We have a lot of support in the building of a great future for our nation.
In order to move confidently towards common national goals, we need to join our efforts. I am sure that there are no such disagreements in society that would create obstacles to the collective work for the benefit of our people.
Dear compatriots!
I heartily congratulate you on this Great Day, wishing peace and happiness in every home, and prosperity to our sacred Homeland.
Long live the free country of Abkhazia and our brave and hardworking nation!
