Photos: "Say No to War and Yes to Peace" - Armenians in Italy Demand Ban on Arms Sales to Azerbaijan

Armenian organizations and unions in Italy have officially joined peace initiatives scheduled in Rome, reports the Embassy of Armenia in Italy. The Armenian delegation participated in a march from Piazza della Repubblica, carrying flags and banners to once again proclaim their condemnation of every war.

According to the source, in light of Azerbaijan's recent assault on Artsakh and the forced migration of the entire Armenian population from the region, Armenians in Italy are urging Italian authorities to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced Armenians, to release all Armenian prisoners of war and detainees illegally held in Azerbaijan (including representatives of the Artsakh authorities).

Armenians in Italy are also demanding monitoring of the entire Armenian religious architectural heritage in Artsakh, which has been subjected to vandalism or ridiculous historical alterations by Azerbaijanis in recent years. They are demanding guarantees of security and freedom for all Armenians who wish to return to their homes. Additionally, they are calling for a ban on arms sales to Azerbaijan.

To the Italian media, which have adequately covered the ongoing tragedy in recent weeks, Armenians are asking not to turn off the spotlight.

On September 19, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on the Republic of Artsakh. As a result of military aggression, recent reports indicate 200 fatalities (including 10 civilians, 5 of whom were children) and 400 injured (40 civilians, including 13 children). On September 29, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Artsakh reported that rescuers had discovered 170 bodies and remains from the explosion site of a gasoline depot in Stepanakert.