ArmInfo. In Yerevan, on Freedom Square and in Stepanakert, on Renaissance Square, rallies of the nationwide movement for the sake of saving Artsakh are simultaneously taking place. For 7 months, the people of Artsakh have been in a total Azerbaijani blockade. The republic does not receive food, medicines, the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross to transport seriously ill patients from Artsakh to specialized medical institutions in Armenia has been terminated.
The rally in Stepanakert started with the anthem of Armenia, while in Yerevan - with the anthem of Artsakh. After that, the head of the Artsakh diocese, Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, spoke. Addressing the protestors, he stated that Artsakh cannot be the subject of bargaining. <Artsakh is holiness, it is land, it is history and people. Today, to stand near Artsakh means to stand for conscience and justice, for civilization and human rights, it means to remain devoted to the Lord. Today, Artsakh is the driving force behind the honor, dignity and identity of Armenians. Having lost Artsakh, we will lose honor, dignity and our identity>, he said.
The people of Artsakh gathered in the "Renaissance" square are chanting "Miatsum" ("Unity"). It should be reminded that the nationwide movement of Artsakh started on July 14, 2023. Artsakh has been under Azerbaijani blockade since December 12, 2022, as a result of which it is deprived of gas, electricity and basic necessities. From June 15 this year. Azerbaijan also blocked the movement of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which carried out a humanitarian mission to transport patients from Artsakh to Armenia and supply essential items. All this is happening against the backdrop of the inaction of the civilized international community.