During a protest in front of Armenia’s government headquarters, Anastas Israelyan, head of the Reviving Artsakh initiative, declared that the issue of Artsakh must never be questioned.
“This government once said, ‘Artsakh is Armenia.’ They promised no threat to Artsakh Armenians, no genocide. But look what happened: they made decisions for us, handed us over, handed over Artsakh. We won’t let anyone cast doubt on the return of Artsakh,” he stated, according to Sputnik Armenia.
Israelyan warned that political forces may exploit the topic of Artsakh in upcoming elections to gain power. He urged the public not to give up the fight, not to trust false promises of peace, and not to sell out for money.
“There will be no victory without the return of the Artsakh Armenians. Don’t hide, don’t sell your conscience. To be Armenian and to live, we must fight together. You lost Artsakh and now talk about Syunik. Had Artsakh not been lost, Syunik wouldn’t be under threat. You bow before the fallen, but what for? If you’re alive, why not continue their mission? Today’s government exploits their sacrifice,” Israelyan added.
His cousin, Rashid Beglaryan, is one of 23 Armenians held in Baku and sentenced on what supporters say are false charges of torturing captives and participating in illegal armed groups. He received a 15-year sentence last year.
Protester Suren Shaboyan emphasized that the struggle of the Artsakh people is ongoing and reflects the will of the entire Armenian nation. “Peace comes only through strength, not weakness. I know the Turks, they say one thing to your face and stab you in the back.”
He added, “We, Artsakh Armenians, know longing like no one else. The pain we lived through shouldn’t happen again. This fight is in our blood. For me, there’s no old or new government. Those who took bribes must be held accountable.”
Protesters acknowledged that the authorities might ignore their demands but insisted they would continue until the Artsakh issue remains on the national agenda.
“They shouldn’t think it’s forgotten. Every day there’s something new, and yesterday’s events are pushed aside. But this is an open wound, still bleeding. Our future lies in the unity of Artsakh and Armenia,” another protester said.
While protesters did not reject the idea of peace, they said the peace offered by current leaders does not align with their vision. They believe peace built on submission cannot bring lasting stability.
During his recent address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated he does not see the return of Artsakh refugees as realistic.
