‘Azerbaijanis will not enjoy Artsakh’ – why has Armenia banned display of Artsakh flag?

A few days ago, a large-scale cultural event titled “WE EXIST” dedicated to Artsakh’s culture was held at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex. During the event, the performance of Artsakh’s anthem, as well as the use of its flag and coat of arms, was prohibited.

Alpha News discussed this issue with Hayk Ghukasyan, President of the Professional ArmFighting Federation.

“They made us forget Western Armenia, but they cannot make us forget Artsakh. It is in my heart and mind,” Ghukasyan said.

According to Ghukasyan, there have been cases abroad where waving the Artsakh flag was forbidden, but what surprised and angered him was that the same prohibition was applied in Armenia.

“Abroad there was a scandal over waving the Artsakh flag. In Ukraine, there was quite a serious dispute with Azerbaijanis. During a tournament, our athlete, who was supposed to compete against an Azerbaijani, presented the Artsakh flag. After that, a fight broke out,” Ghukasyan said, adding that fortunately everything ended well.

Ghukasyan hopes that Armenians will once again go to Artsakh, and that all this is temporary.

“I don’t think Azerbaijanis will enjoy Artsakh. Time and patience are needed; we will dance again in Shushi. I ask myself how our country’s leadership managed to forget Artsakh so quickly,” Ghukasyan noted with sorrow.