”May 9 will always be our holiday; I am sure we will never forget our victories and create new victories. I am very grateful that these young people invited me to perform together. This day is one of the most significant days for Artsakh. Today, being elderly, I am happy that you are standing here; you organized this, started that movement”, declared Ruben Vardanyan, the Co-Founder of the “We are Our Mountains” territorial development agency and the former Minister of State of the Republic of Artsakh, at the rally organized by the initiative group of “No to the Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh” petition and signature collection on May 9 in the Renaissance Square of Stepanakert.
“I am sure that only you can create a decent future for yourself and Artsakh. I often use the word dignity because it is our profound, root advantage. We have always been a dignified nation, a dignified Armenian, a dignified Artsakh citizen, and we will keep that dignity despite all difficulties. During the joint discussions, we drew the six red lines unacceptable for the Artsakh people under any circumstances.
On April 23, Azerbaijan violated that red line by setting up a checkpoint. I want to talk to you honestly; the red line for me is when you can no longer say ok, this is not happening to me, I didn’t hear you well, maybe I didn’t understand well when they insult you with the worst words, you have to answer, and that answer is the only one: you have to fight, there is no other option. In another version, you become a slave, an unworthy person, and they can walk over you and feet wiped on you. That red line should be clear for me and all of us because we have no right to accept that others will check our passports. No one should limit our free entry and exit to Armenia.
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One hundred forty-nine days we are under siege. We don’t have gas, and we don’t have electricity; you are aware of the situation at the Sarsang Reservoir; we have many problems, but we are enduring and not depressed. Yes, the situation is difficult, but we know that there can be no question of reintegration in this way; this is reoccupation, and we will not allow it to do to anyone. Say no to reoccupation. No, no, no. We defend our homes, cities, villages, graves, and right to live on our land according to our laws, and we don’t want to attack anyone. We want to live peacefully and happily on our land, in our homeland.”
Ruben Vardanyan noted. He said that we are ready for negotiations, but at the same time, he emphasized that they cannot proceed with the gun pointed at the forehead, both sides of the negotiations should respect each other, negotiations should be held only when we can tell the world that we, as independent Artsakh, we can sit and talk with the neighbor, there is no other option. “We have a goal that was created in 1988; before that, it was also a dream to have a free, safe, happy Armenian Artsakh. That goal hasn’t changed; we’ve reaffirmed it many times.
These days, we must all re-declare that there can be no other purpose. I am delighted that you all have joined this demand because it is a unique demand, not only asking and demanding from others. These young people are saying for the first time an essential word; they are saying solve the issues, or else we will solve them as we can, but we have no other way; we will not leave this issue unresolved and blurred. We will solve the security issue and ensure the future of our free homeland.
And it is imperative to remain dignified. I appeal to the Armenian world: I am sure you are on our side, but you must show it: where are the one million signatures? Why are there 120 thousand? Why is the entire Armenian world not standing by us? Dignity applies to everyone, not only Artsakh residents,” said Ruben Vardanyan.
Lusine MARGARYAN
