On the morning of July 14, thousands of Artsakh citizens rallied in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square, demanding the lifting the blockade of Artsakh. “Artsakh will live; it will last despite all non-friends and enemies and for the glory of all Armenians,” Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan announced at a rally called on Renaissance Square.
Thousands of Artsakh citizens gathered in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square; Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, Ruben Vardanyan, and representatives of the Artsakh government were also there. At the rally, the calls “No to the blockade of Artsakh,” “Prevent the impending disaster,” and “Open the way of life” were heard.
Addressing the international community, Gegham Stepanyan said: “I appeal to all actors of the international community. You say human rights, so tell me, please, how do I look these people in the eye and tell them they have rights too? How do I look a malnourished pregnant woman in the eye if her baby is born with defects? How do I look into the eyes of mothers whose biggest dream of the day is to get a handful of fruit or sweets for their children? How do I look into the eyes of thousands of people who stand in line for hours to get a handful of sugar and into the eyes of a mother who looks into my eyes with frightened eyes, which is afraid that she will lose the last sanctity, the grave of her son?
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Please answer them because I can’t find any more answers. It is one thing to talk about human rights in luxurious halls, and it is another thing to rely on the protection of those rights with practical steps. We are concerned; we are very concerned; we are deeply concerned; we call for other similar statements. It’s enough; while you express naked concerns, 120 000 people are subjected to inhuman deprivation.”
Addressing the Russian peacekeepers, he reminded: “We were promised peace; peace is not finding daily bread, dragging one’s existence, peace is not being a hostage and deprived of everything in one’s homeland, being subjected to psychological attacks every day and the uncertainties falling on us. Be true to your mandate to ensure real peace.”
Gegham Stepanyan stated that the sufferings of the seven-month blockade are shocking facts that we cannot be part of Azerbaijan. “We can’t, and that’s it. Finally, understand it. All those who still have illusions on this occasion, let them imagine if it was possible to imagine the life of Jews in Nazi Germany. Azerbaijan is the same Nazi country, where society is imbued with Armenian hatred, hatred, and enmity towards Armenians. Everyone should have been convinced of it long ago. Stop talking; immediate and concrete action is required.” Remember, unpunished crime is a crime to be repeated”.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
