In February of 1988, mass demonstrations demanding an end to Azeri oppression and massacres and calling for the reunification of Artsakh with Armenia accompanied the legislative body’s proclamation. The Azeri authorities responded with more violence against Armenians that eventually led to the massacres in the city of Sumgait.
“February 20 has entered the history of our nation as a day that symbolizes the freedom-loving spirit of the people of Artsakh and their steadfast will to live freely and independently on their native land, determining their own destiny themselves,” Sahakian said in a speech. “In response to that legitimate, peaceful and just demand Azerbaijan carried out massacres and deportations, plunging our newly-independent country into a bloody war.”
“Surviving incredible hardship and ordeals, suffering irrevocable losses, our nation was never disappointed and did not retreat. On the contrary, at the cost of its brave sons, due to the unity and heroism of its sisters and brothers dispersed throughout the world, it was able to defend the native land,” the President continued.
“The past years have proven that the chosen path was correct and irreversible. The Armenians of Artsakh continue to build a democratic state adherent to international norms and standards. They continue to make their villages and towns prosperous, build new roads and water lines, houses and hospitals, schools and kindergartens, steadily improving the nation’s living conditions,” President Sahakian concluded.
We thank Pres. Bako Sahakian for the long overdue unification of Artsakh with Armenia. Over 22 years have passed whereby the Armenian Government has not unified our people. The Soviets under Lenin & Stalin are the ones whom carved up Armenia and took many parcels away from our Historic Lands and gave them to the Azeri’s, Georgian’s, & Turkey. We hope the Armenian Government will review & restore what our rightful territories.