"Strong Armenia": Protecting the fundamental rights of the Armenians of Artsakh continues to be one of the most important issues concerning human rights, international law, and regional stability

ArmInfo.  Representatives of the military-political leadership of Artsakh, as well as other Armenian prisoners and persons illegally held by Azerbaijan, must be released immediately. This is stated in a statement by the “Strong Armenia” party on the occasion of the third anniversary of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh.

“Dear compatriots! Today marks three years since one of the most painful pages in our modern history—the depopulation and loss of Artsakh. As a result of Azerbaijan’s military aggression, the inhumane blockade that continued for months, and the failed policy and inaction of the current Armenian authorities, Artsakh was depopulated, and tens of thousands of our compatriots were forcibly expelled from their centuries-old homeland. The Armenian population of Artsakh was subjected to ethnic cleansing. The loss of Artsakh is not only a tragedy for the Armenians of Artsakh. It is a national pain that concerns every Armenian and is connected with the historical memory, rights and dignity of our people.

Today, three years later, protecting the fundamental rights of the Armenians of Artsakh continues to be one of the most important issues of human rights, international law and regional stability.

Unfortunately, the Armenian authorities are trying to remove discussion of this issue from the public agenda. However, historical realities cannot be erased by political decisions. We clearly declare that the depopulation of Artsakh cannot erase the centuries-old Armenian history of Artsakh, its cultural heritage and the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh. One of the priorities of the “Strong Armenia” party will be to consistently raise the issue of the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh at all international platforms, defend their right to a safe, dignified and collective return, as well as address the preservation and protection of property and cultural and spiritual heritage. Representatives of the military-political leadership of Artsakh, as well as other Armenian prisoners and persons illegally held in Azerbaijan, must be released immediately,” the political force’s statement says.