Anniversary of Artsakh independence memorable occasion to show  commitment to idea of peace and get rid of defeatist sentiments -  Garegin II 

ArmInfo.  Today, September 2, is the day of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh, which the Armenian people celebrate with the hope of recovery from the losses they have experienced and with faith in God's help. This is stated in the message of Catholicos of All  Armenians Garegin II on the occasion of the Independence Day of the  Republic of Artsakh.

Garegin II recalled that tragic events occurred in 2020-2023 on the  eve of the thirtieth anniversary of Artsakh's independence.

"As a result of the war and genocidal actions unleashed by  Azerbaijan, the Armenian world of Artsakh was occupied and completely  depopulated, thousands of Armenians were killed, numerous shrines  were desecrated and destroyed, and to this day, Artsakh's state  officials and servicemen continue to remain hostages in Baku. On this  sacred day, we bow our heads in memory of our brave sons who gave  their lives for the independence of Artsakh and the security of the  Armenians of Artsakh. We offer prayers to God, asking for the speedy  return of our captive and missing sons, for peace for our country and  people," the message of the Catholicos of All Armenians, quoted by  his press office, reads.

According to him, Armenia highly appreciates the efforts of all  countries and international organizations, which continue to be aimed  at overcoming the grave consequences of the tragic war in Artsakh and  establishing a stable and lasting peace in the region, excluding  threats and coercion.

"The anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh is a  memorable occasion to express our people's devotion to the idea of  peace, to get rid of conciliatory and defeatist sentiments, in order  to overcome with dignity the challenges and trials facing our  country. Our Patriarchal call is to increase our efforts, with the  support of the international community, to protect the rights of our  displaced people of Artsakh, to save the centuries-old Armenian  spiritual and cultural heritage from destruction, and to return our  children from captivity to their homeland," His Holiness said in his  message.

The Catholicos called on the Armenian people to unite for the sake of  strengthening and consolidating the Armenian statehood, preserving  the inviolability of the territorial integrity of the country. "Let  us preserve our Armenian identity and national values in purity,  always looking with hope to the blessed future of our lives.

We pray that by the grace of God, justice will be restored, and the  children of our people will live in peace and prosperity. May God be  the guardian of our country and people in Armenia and in the  Diaspora," concluded Garegin II.