YEREVAN (ARF Press Service)—Thousands converged on the athletic court of the Republican Stadium Thursday for a rally organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation celebrating the 19th anniversary of the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
In his opening remarks, ARF Bureau member Levon Mkrtchyan said the Karabakh liberation struggle will continue until such time as its independence is internationally recognized.
The main message of the evening, which was conveyed in speeches, video presentations and on banners that covered the four corners of the stadium was that there cannot be an alternative to Karabakh’s independence and the will of the people of Karabakh cannot be compromised through any concessions.
“No government—either in Armenia or Karabakh—has the right to veer away from the will of the Karabakh people, which was through the two referenda. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic expects nothing less that independence and no one has the right to talk about any other status,” said ARF Supreme Council of Armenia chairman Armen Rustamian, who is also the chairman of Armenia’s parliamentary commission on foreign relations.
“One cannot advance by conceding national interests and ideals,” said Rustamian, adding that the ARF demands that the government not take steps that would be impossible to correct in the future.
Rustamian also called on the authorities to abandon the Turkey-Armenia protocols, explaining that merely suspending the documents, as Armenia has done, will give Turkey the upper hand.
He pointed out that while the Karabakh conflict resolution process has gained momentum, it has not done so in favor of the Armenians. The protocols, he added, have allowed Turkey to become actively engaged in the negotiations process, creating an imbalance that favors Azerbaijan.
Rustamian stressed the ARF’s priority today is the formation of a national government that must be guided by and lead with the principle of “advancement without concessions.”
Before the conclusion of the event, 18 new members entered into the ranks of the ARF of Armenia.
In Stepanakert Thursday, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakian spoke to reporters about the importance of staying true to the sacrifices made during the Karabakh liberation struggle.
He said the people of Karabakh made their decision on Sept. 2, 1991, reiterated it via the Dec. 10 referendum of the same year, defended the independence and freedom of the Republic during the imposed war and reaffirmed their will with the Dec. 2006 constitutional referendum.
“This holiday is important and memorable for all people of Artsakh, as everyone has had a personal role in the formation and development of our independent state. Of course, we still have a lot to do both in the field of foreign policy and in the socioeconomic sphere. However, one thing is cleart and irreversible: the people and authorities of Artsakh are resolute and committed in the realization of our national aspirations and will do everything possible to build a bright future for the Artsakh Republic,” said Sahakian in his congratulatory statement on this occasion.
“September 2 is also a holiday for our compatriots in Armenia and the Diaspora. Because of their joint efforts the ancient Armenian Artsakh still exists and continues to flourish and prosper,” added Sahakian who led the Republic in celebrations of Karabakh’s independence.
Meanwhile in Yerevan, President Serzh Sarkisian also issued a congratulatory statement on this occasion.
“Artsakh’s independence is one of the most shining moments of modern Armenian history and one of the greatest achievements of our nation. We fully appreciate the price for independence, which was paid by the blood of thousands of Armenian men and women. We honor their undying memory,” said Sarksian.
“Political independence, which was fought for by our entire nation, is a reality. Moreover, the efficient state structures of Artsakh and its Defense Army have become an important factor in our region. Internal stability, united will and the resolute commitment of the people of Artsakh and the multi-faceted development of the land leave no uncertainty regarding its free and prosperous future. We are moving forward in the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora triumvirate – true to our historic aspirations,” added Sarksian.
“The peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict can have only one outcome – the international recognition of Artsakh’s independence. As for the military solution to the issue, that option, dear people of Artsakh, we have gone through it long ago. The results of that option are evident to everyone. By your creative work and iron shield of defense you prove every day and every moment that you uphold the sacred legacy and memory of our martyrs,” said Sarkisian.
Hye, today, celebrating Artsakh’s independence, too, celebrates the victory of the those who fought and gained Sardarabag… our blessed and heroic patriots, who wisdom and dedication to the Armenian nation has brought us further than we shall have been had we lost both these entities of the Armenian peoples.
Today, more and more, our ancient and advanced Armenian nations’ ability to offer and share with others of the the civilized world any and all advances which have been accomplished in Haiastan… We, by so doing show the world that we are a civilized society – able and seeking to be one with the civilized nations of the world – albeit a renewed nation of but twenty (20) years!
Too, besieged by the nations of a Turkey and an Azeri – leaders who offer inhumanity to humans – actually the most misdirected nations which one can have for neighbors – seeking still to continue the ‘elimination’ of the Armenians. Turks’ Genocide of the Armenian nation still – since the 1890s – continues in their unsubstantiated denials of having committed Genocides of the Armenians, Genocides – in order to steal all that was of the Armenians – including the lives, lands, wealths and more – that which Turkey has built upon. Hence the Turk leaderships are due and owing to the Armenians reparations in the billions, plus interest for all their years of denials to date and full return of the Armenian lands. Turks can return to the Asian mountains where their warring and Genocides shall continue… As for the Azeris, a nation which never existed until recently – yet comes before the world as if Azeris owned Artsakh (NK) the land of the original Armenians – of antiquity! Azeris are ‘aping’ the Turks M.O. Such are the Turk leaders, such are the Azeri leaders – incapable of recognizing/admitting their own history – even to themselves! It has been said that the Turk is only aware of the current moment – history does not exist for the Turk! Of course – for with such a history as the Turk leaders have created- obviously- they have need to not remember, not recall their own history of slaughtering, raping, kidnappings and tortures – ala Turkics.
Worse yet, these nations’ leaderships ongoing treatments of their own citizenry – gives evidence of all the misdirected and abusive measures that their citizens must bear from such abusive leaderships. The brave and honest amongst their citizens – still live in fear when they speak truths for their own peoples – the bullying of the Turk leaderships – ongoing – even against their own.
Manooshag