On September 2, 1991, Artsakh declared its independence in accordance with international legal norms. The National Liberation Movement, which started in 1988, entered a new phase. The victorious Artsakh liberation war was achieved collectively through blood and the sacrifice of the Armenian people. The people of Artsakh decided to irreversibly break from Azerbaijan’s yoke, erase the artificial borders imposed by Stalin and declare that on the way to independence Artsakh will be reunited with Armenia.
The 44-day war in 2020, which started in September, dealt a heavy blow to all Armenians. We are living one of the most crucial and fateful times in our modern history today. As a nation, we are facing serious internal and external challenges. Both in Armenia and Artsakh, our sovereignty and statehood are endangered, our national dignity has been desecrated.
However, the ARF is convinced that this latest scourge on Artsakh is a temporary setback. The Armenians of Artsakh, the Armenian people in general, have enough will and potential to work for the restoration of Artsakh and the realization of its ultimate vision of unifying with Armenia.
Thirty years after the declaration of independence, more than ever, Artsakh needs all our support. The ARF’s worldwide bodies, the Armenian National Committee offices and committees, remain faithful to their commitment, and will pursue—with all their potential—the issues of determining the status of the independent Artsakh Republic, restoring its territorial integrity, ensuring a secure environment and socio-economic development.
We are pleased to announce that today, in Stepanakert, the ANC Artsakh office opened, which will join the vast network of the ANC International.
Artsakh has been and remains the symbol of our identity, unity, national prosperity and the guarantor of our existence and the establishment of United Armenia.
Congratulations to the people of Artsakh on the 30th anniversary of their independence. We affirm that we will continue our struggle both on the internal and external fronts to advance Artsakh’s self-determination, re-establishment of a strong statehood and freedom.
ARF BUREAU
September 2, 2021
