Ignoring the protection of the rights of Artsakh Armenians, it is impossible to build genuine peace: “Strong Armenia”

It is impossible to build a lasting, sustainable, and genuine peace without protecting the fundamental rights of Artsakh Armenians. This is stated in the message of “Strong Armenia” on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Artsakh.

“On September 2, 1991, the people of Artsakh exercised their right to self-determination based on existing legal foundations, including international law. The process of exercising this right was subsequently recorded many times and assessed by international organizations and observers.

Following the complete de-Armenization of Artsakh and ethnic cleansing, the forcibly displaced Artsakh Armenians continue to face numerous social and economic problems. This demonstrates serious problems in the effectiveness of state policy and social programs in Armenia. At the same time, the hateful rhetoric voiced and encouraged by the authorities is yet another manifestation of division and polarization in society.

Our commitment must be clear: to ensure a safe, prosperous, and dignified life for our compatriots in Armenia. However, it is impossible to build a lasting, sustainable, and genuine peace without protecting the fundamental rights of the Armenians of Artsakh – the right to safe and possible collective return, property rights, cultural and spiritual heritage, and other fundamental rights.

Today, the military-political leadership of Artsakh remains effectively held hostage in Baku prisons. The return of all Armenian prisoners and illegally detained persons to their homeland should be a priority on the Armenian authorities’ foreign policy agenda. Unfortunately, today we are witnessing the opposite.

Glory and honor to all those who fell in the name of our homeland.
May God protect our people and the Armenian world,” the statement reads.