35 Years Later, Our Decision Remains Unchanged: Arayik Harutyunyan

Arayik Harutyunyan, the President of Artsakh, has issued a statement on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Karabakh movement.

“Dear compatriots, February 20, 1988, entered the history of the Armenian people as a turning point and a decisive day, symbolizing the revival of our national spirit and the unity and cohesion of the entire Armenian nation. It is marked as the day of the rebirth of Artsakh.

On that day, the extraordinary session of the regional council of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast held in Stepanakert adopted a historic decision that legitimized the long-standing struggle of the Artsakh Armenians for the protection of their rights and freedoms, and national dignity.

We declared to the world our resolute and unwavering will to live free, independent, and united on our native land, and to independently manage our destiny. Even 35 years later, our decision remains unchanged, our spirit indomitable, and our path unwavering.

The people of Artsakh, under blockade for more than two months, have demonstrated through their perseverance and determination that like in the historic '88, today they stand firm in their decision, their chosen path, and their ancestral land, which has always been and must remain Armenian.

We are deeply grateful and indebted to all those who stand with us on this difficult path, to all our compatriots in the Motherland and the Diaspora, and to the loyal friends of Artsakh in different corners of the world who provide us with endless strength in our fight for the preservation of universal values and fundamental democratic norms and principles.

I bow my head in memory of our martyrs who dedicated their lives to the holy cause of defending the homeland. They are always with us, beside us, and guide us on our path to shaping the future of Artsakh.

We must do everything possible to make the sacred wishes and goals of our heroes a reality. May God grant peace, strength, and energy to our people, with steadfast faith and hope, to overcome all trials and to realize the national programs and dreams.