In view of the escalation of military activities across the Nagorni Karabagh-Azerbaijan border starting on April 1, 2016, and as we mourn the loss of valuable human life incurred by the military aggression of the Azerbaijani forces on the Armenian population that continues to build its life and peaceful existence on it historic lands, we call upon:
- All international and regional powers to ensure the cessation of hostilities and the condemnation of the deliberate Azeri aggression.
- Parties of influence to lead the way to long-term solutions to the conflicts of the region.
We reiterate our conviction that:
- Peaceful negotiations are the only acceptable means to resolve the disputes of countries in this modern age of human civilization.
- Peace and justice cannot be separated, and history and modern politics have to be seen in one frame, thus leading to an understanding of the Nagorni Karabagh conflict that includes the historical and geographical attachment of the Armenian people to its lands, and the respect of the self-determination of all nations who have suffered injustices of various magnitudes throughout their history.
Our solidarity goes to the President and the people of the Republic of Nagorni Karabagh, and our prayers accompany all those in mourning and pain.
May we all continue to be agents of peace.
The President and the Central Committee
of theUnion of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East