In the summer of 2018, I was invited to Belfast, Northern Ireland. I had a wonderful impression of the Irish: sociable, sincere, and at the same time, highly dignified. As part of the United Kingdom, it was amazing to see huge posters on the streets of Belfast: “Solidarity with Catalonia”, “Freedom for Palestinian political prisoners.”
On the last night, our group visited an Irish pub. A wonderful environment. There was an atmosphere in the pub as if everyone had known everyone for a long time. We did not feel like strangers at all. A highly professional Irish rock band was giving a performance in the pub.
With a whiskey in my hand, I listened to the wonderful music and performance. During the break, one of the guitarists approached, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, “Are you satisfied?” I went out for a moment to smoke in the street. Several others were smoking next to me. One of them approached me and asked,
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– You seem to be a guest, sorry, what country are you from?
I answered,
-From Armenia.
He smiled broadly, called his friends excitedly, introduced me, and said․
– We, the Irish, are on your side, you must keep Karabakh at all costs.
Then, quite frankly, he offered to postpone my departure so that he could show me their country.
If there is an opportunity again, I will go to Belfast only when the flag of Artsakh flies over Shushi, otherwise, it is a shame․․․
Avetik Ishkhanyan