— Armenian community’s principled calls for peace confronted by angry Azerbaijani counter-protesters
WASHINGTON, DC – An Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Washington DC Ani chapter-led community-wide protest today against Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia was met by a hostile pro-Aliyev mob that, under the direction of Azerbaijani Ambassador Elin Suleymanov, unloaded a toxic barrage of hate-speech, and threats of violence.
“Armenians want peace, Azerbaijan wants war” was the Armenian American community’s message of the day, as they flashed peace signs and condemned the Azerbaijani targeting of civilians, which resulted in the bombing of a kindergarten in Tavush’s Aygepar village, the temporary closing of a PPE mask-making factory, and even Azerbaijani threats to shell Armenia’s Metsamor nuclear power plant.
Ambassador Suleymanov was videotaping and speaking on his phone as his followers participated in a bizarre mixture of yelling hateful slogans and joyful dancing in the face of the President Aliyev ordered onslaught, which began on July 12th, that has left at least 15 Azerbaijani soldiers dead, with reports of more casualties. At times, the protesters were inches apart, with police protecting Armenian Americans against advancing Azerbaijani counter-protesters.
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Azerbaijani Ambassador to the U.S. Elin Suleymanov videotaping as Azerbaijani demonstrators hurled toxic hate-speech at Armenian Americans demanding peace. Photo: Haykaram Nahapeyan, H1 TV.
“We saw Aliyev export his aggression to the streets of Washington, DC today – under Ambassador Suleymanov’s direction; but we delivered our message of peace and support for the Armenian Homeland,” said AYF DC Chapter Chairman Alex Manoukian. “It is long past time for the international community to stop the fake, even-handed peace rhetoric, and issue a clear condemnation of Azerbaijan’s attacks. Anything less only emboldens Aliyev’s war-mongering.”
AYF Treasurer Kristine Antanesian offered powerful remarks in Armenian, sharing the Armenian American community’s unflinching support for Armenian soldiers defending the nation, and enduring commitment to a free, independent and united Homeland.
Armenians want peace. Azerbaijan wants war: As AYF Washington DC Chair Alex Manoukian’s peace sign was met with Azerbaijani/Turkish “Grey Wolves” terrorist signs. Photo: Kristine Antanesian
Video of Antanesian’s remarks is available here:
The Washington DC protest was part of a worldwide chain of Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Youth organized demonstrations in Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom, and in the Armenian homeland. In addition to toxic rhetoric, the Armenian protesters were attacked in London, and targeted by rock throwers in the Netherlands. In the U.S., additional protests are planned in Los Angeles, with the AYF Western U.S.-led effort taking place at the Azerbaijani consulate on Tuesday, July 21st at 2:00pm PDT.
The AYF has joined the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) in calling on Congress to support a series of amendments to restrict U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan and continue U.S. demining assistance to Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). Congressional votes are scheduled the week of July 20th. To support the effort, visit anca.org/alert and anca.org/call.
Azerbaijani counter-protesters dancing and celebrating despite the fact that Aliyev’s aggression has claimed lives of 15 Azerbaijani soldiers, including one General.
Aliyev supporters spew venom and vulgarity at Armenian American women at the July 19th AYF protest against Azerbaijani aggression.
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Azerbaijani counter-protesters dancing and celebrating despite the fact that Aliyev’s aggression has claimed lives of 15 Azerbaijani soldiers, including one General.
Additional photos are available in the AYF Washington DC Chapter Facebook Photo Album:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=AYFDC&set=a.10158414815296760
Video: A scene from Azerbaijanis dancing at the July 19th protest against Aliyev’s recent attacks against Armenia.
Armenian Youth Federation
Washington DC
Main caption: Armenian American protesters focus on peace and education amid Azerbaijani calls for war at the Washington DC AYF-led protest against Aliyev’s latest attacks on Armenia.