Donetsk, May 11 - DAN. DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko congratulated the republic’s residents with Republic’s Day on Thursday noting considerable social, political and economic achievements.

"Dear fellow citizens, three years ago today, on 11 May 2014, Donbass people unanimously made a choice voting for freedom and justice at a referendum. I congratulate you on Republic’s Day and wish you prosperity and progress. Let peace reign in your homes and families and let our hearts feel joy and confidence in a bright future,” Zakharchenko said in his address.

The DPR leader noted considerable achievements in industry and agriculture, legislation and state development, foreign policy and other areas. He also reminded about the transfer of a number of companies into DPR legal space which enabled them to start relaunching production after Ukrainian blockade.

“We have reached the level of development which allows us to not only cope with our problems unassisted, but also help the residents who stayed on the other side of the contact line. The Republic launched a large Donbass people reunification humanitarian programme. Today, we can state with confidence that the Donetsk People’s Republic has succeeded as a state and that’s just a beginning,” the DPR leader said.

DPR marks Republic’s Day on 11 May. It held a referendum on the region’s self-determination exactly three years ago. More than 75 percent of the region’s residents attended the plebiscite. Almost 90 percent of voters supported Donbass sovereignty. *jk