ArmInfo.A nation-wide rally took place in Stepanakert's Revival Square on October 30. The aim was to show that the Artsakh people does not see Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan and request Russia to prolong and reinforce the peaking mission on Artsakh. Along with the rally the Artsakh National Assembly was holding a session, which adopted a joint statement.
The statement reads:
"The developments of the recent months, the statements and positions of various power centers and international organizations related to the prospects for the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict and the future of Artsakh have caused serious concern in Artsakh and the entire Armenian community.
"The National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, expressing the collective will of the people of Artsakh, considers it necessary to fix and document the following for the world in this crucial period.
"Artsakh has never been and will never be part of independent Azerbaijan. This very idea should be the basis for the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict. "Any attempt to forcibly annex Artsakh to Azerbaijan would be a gross violation of international law and an official license to commit another genocide against the Armenian people, therefore any document with such a content is unacceptable for the Republic of Artsakh. "Reaffirming that the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity is among the key foundations of all our successes and achievements, as well as of the state-building process, the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh states as follows:
"No authority in the Republic of Armenia has the right to refuse of the mission to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh or to accept any document questioning the existence of the sovereign Republic of Artsakh. We urge the authorities of the Republic of Armenia to defend the common interests of the two Armenian Republics at international platforms, based on the existing fundamental documents, in particular, the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Armenia and the historic decision of the Supreme Council of July 8, 1992.
"We call on Armenians worldwide to continue to support Artsakh, protect the rights and interests of Artsakh in various countries and international instances, and by all means contribute to the process of recognition of the Republic of Artsakh.
"The Republic of Artsakh is a supporter of stable peace and, consequently, the steps aimed at signing a peace agreement, but the authorities of the Republic of Armenia should approach the issue of recognition of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan with reservations, considering the fact that the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict is not resolved yet.
"Any document or proposal questioning the sovereignty of the Republic of Artsakh, our right to self- determination and the fact of its realization is unacceptable for us, since it does not reflect the historical and legal realities. The international community must respect the demand of the Armenians of Artsakh, since it complies with the fundamental principles and norms of international law.
"Taking into account Russia's historical role in ensuring peace and stability in our region and, in particular, President Vladimir Putin's direct and active participation in halting the 44-day war imposed on us in 2020 by aggressor-Azerbaijan, we appeal to the Russian Federation and ask to continue its commitment to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh. For strengthening it, we propose to introduce additional political and military mechanisms, taking into account the real existential dangers threatening the Armenians of Artsakh.
"Our struggle is continuous, and our position is unchanged; it expresses the collective will of Armenians worldwide and fully derives from the principles outlined in the April 14, 2022 statement of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh."
Artsakh FM David Babayan addressed the attendees, saying:
"We will not deviate from our path, Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan.
"We consider unacceptable any attempts to annex democratic Artsakh by dictatorial #Azerbaijan, and we reject any such proposals. We regard this as a gross violation of universal human values and international law, a violation of moral norms.
"Each of you now has a choice, either to go down in history as an unworthy, coward, unpatriotic generation that failed to defend their holy Motherland, or to go down in history as a principled, courageous, patriotic, wise generation that fulfilled its biblical mission and, despite all the difficulties, proved that it is impossible break, insult, trample on the honor, history and values of Artsakh and the Armenian people.
"I am sure that is the way it will be. I am sure, because we have Yerablur, we have Tsitsernakaberd, we have Shoushi, we are responsible to future generations and immortal heroes, and ultimately we must answer to God."
Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan stated:
"About 40,000 (33% of the entire population) of citizens from Stepanakert and other districts have reaffirmed their will and determination to be masters of their fate and defend their Homeland. Artsakh has never been nor will it be part of Azerbaijan. We are masters of our Homeland and we will continue struggle for our rights and freedoms," Mr Beglaryan said.
Armenia's former human rights defender Arman Tatoyan stated that Azerbaijan has not any natural, legal or other relations with Artsakh.
"Self-determination is the natural right of the indigenous population of Artsakh, an integral part of the Armenian people. Azerbaijan has not any natural, legal or other relations with Artsakh. this is a natural way of ensuring the rights and security if our brothers and sisters in Artsakh," he wrote.