‘Artsakh is Armenian, Nikol is Turkish’: Massive Protest Held in Glendale

Representatives of the Armenian community in Glendale, California, held a massive protest against the decision to recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan. The rally took place on June 1, commencing with a prayer by the former leader of the Artsakh Diocese, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan. He also delivered a speech, stating that the current moment is critical for the Armenian people as Artsakh, Armenia, statehood, and the Armenian nation are at risk.

“We must all support our brothers and sisters in Artsakh. We need to appeal to all relevant institutions worldwide, including the UN Security Council and other international organizations. The Lachin corridor must be opened immediately, as our brothers and sisters are facing a humanitarian disaster; there is no gas, no electricity, no food, and no gasoline. It is genocide in broad daylight: Azerbaijan either intends to commit genocide against the Armenian people or to ethnically cleanse Artsakh. We must stand by our Artsakh,” the clergy emphasized.

He highlighted that no one has the right to make decisions that place Artsakh under Azerbaijani governance, as this contradicts the fundamental law of the Armenian people and is unacceptable. Archbishop Pargev assured that Armenia is also in danger today.

Following the speech, a march commenced where American Armenians chanted, “Without Nikol, Armenia,” “Artsakh is Armenian, Nikol is Turkish,” “Nikol the traitor,” “Free, independent Artsakh,” and “We are the guardians of our homeland.”