On the anniversary of the liberation movement, Karabakh Armenians emphasized the importance of the struggle for return

The Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament declared its intention to continue the struggle for the realization of the Karabakh people's right to return and self-determination. Activists of the Karabakh movement believe that return may be possible after the strengthening of Armenia.

As "Caucasian Knot" reported, in February 2024, Karabakh Armenians for the first time celebrated in exile the anniversary of the liberation movement that began in 1988.

On the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the Karabakh movement, opposition political figures of Armenia and representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh authorities visited the Yerablur military pantheon on the morning of February 20, where they laid flowers, and in the afternoon, an official meeting dedicated to this day was held at the Nagorno-Karabakh representative office in Yerevan, attended by representatives of the parliament, government, and public figures of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.

The factions of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh (the self-designation of Nagorno-Karabakh - note by "Caucasian Knot") issued a joint statement on On the occasion of "Revival Day", in Nagorno-Karabakh, February 20 was celebrated as the official date of the beginning of the Karabakh liberation movement.

The statement notes that "38 years ago, an extraordinary session of the 20th convocation of the regional Council of People's Deputies of the NKAO was held in Stepanakert, which adopted a decision on the withdrawal of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region from the Azerbaijan SSR and accession to the Armenian SSR, which became "fateful for the subsequent decades of the history of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic)".

"Over the next three decades following the events of 1988, at the cost of thousands of lives and the heroic struggle of the people," dignity and identity were restored, and the preconditions were created for the realization of the centuries-old dream of full unity with "Motherland and state," the parliament emphasized.

At the same time, the factions blame the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh on the "adventurous policy of the current Armenian authorities," pointing out that "such a policy constitutes a gross violation of the Constitutions of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), as well as international law."

The Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament emphasized that “we intend to preserve the unity of the people of Artsakh, cherish the historical heritage, rely on the people’s determination to return to Artsakh and seek the realization of the right to return and self-determination.”

The joint statement was signed by the Free Homeland - YGA, United Homeland, Justice, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, and the Democratic Party of Artsakh factions.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh Karabakh Ashot Danielyan emphasized in his speech that “the main goal of the Artsakh (Karabakh) movement was direct and clear - to unite Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) with Mother Armenia,” emphasizing that “the struggle continues today to achieve this goal, and the movement is not over.”

The current Armenian government is trying to discredit the Karabakh movement

Vice-Chairman of the Armenian National Congress Levon Zurabyan noted that “the Karabakh movement was not only a struggle for Artsakh, but also for freedom, dignity, self-determination, democracy and independence of Armenia,” and stated that “it was the Karabakh movement that became "The foundation of national awakening and the restoration of statehood - what began as the Karabakh movement expanded into a struggle for democracy, independence for Armenia, and economic liberalization."

He added that "the current Armenian government is trying to discredit the Karabakh movement, claiming that it was the cause of our current catastrophes, which is a lie."

"The Karabakh movement laid the foundation for a great national awakening, victory, overcoming the victim mentality, and the restoration of statehood. The causes of today's catastrophes should be sought in extremism and ignorance, in the inability to govern and corruption of the ruling elite," the politician said.

 Karabakh movement activists named the conditions for returning to Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to him, “it is necessary to continue the struggle, but at the same time, we must take into account all geopolitical processes and Armenia’s role in these issues.”

Speaking about the return of Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh, Hayrapetyan noted that "the desire to return is natural and logical, but it is important to understand that return should not be a slogan, but a strategic goal, backed by a clear, well-thought-out, and realistic action plan."

"It seems that many of those who speak loudest about return do not offer concrete mechanisms for achieving it. When a goal becomes an emotional slogan, it begins to be manipulated - used in political struggles, in public speeches, to attract attention. This is a dangerous path. National issues should not become an instrument of opportunistic politics," Hayrapetyan said.

He noted that "there is nothing more valuable to us than the Motherland, so the approach to its future must be responsible, balanced, and strategic."

"The state is obliged to create conditions under which they can live with dignity in Armenia, work, and feel part of a single national space. Today, the primary task for all Armenians is to strengthen Armenia itself, and the people of Artsakh have the necessary potential. A strong Armenia is the foundation for resolving all other issues, including the Artsakh issue," the activist stated.

The loss of Artsakh is not only the fault of Armenian diplomacy and the lack of political will on the part of the Armenian and Artsakh authorities, but also the people who silently existed in the atmosphere that developed.

Karabakh movement activist Vachagan Zakaryan stated that "in the last 600 years, the Karabakh movement was the first victory of the Armenian people, but we have failed to comprehend and adequately appreciate its significance."

"The Karabakh movement should become a teaching aid for future generations. While its participants and eyewitnesses are alive, it is necessary to publish as many stories and studies as possible that will preserve the facts of our struggle. When the time comes, all this experience will be in demand," Zakaryan expressed his opinion.

According to him, "not only the illiteracy of Armenian diplomacy and the lack of political will on the part of the Armenian and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) authorities are to blame for the loss of Artsakh, but also the people who silently existed in the atmosphere that developed in Artsakh."

"The people of Karabakh should not remain on the sidelines - they must become full-fledged citizens of Armenia, live, work, create, and contribute to the development of the country. This can be considered the first victory after the expulsion. Others will follow. We must live, strive, and develop Armenia, and then return will be possible," said Karabakh movement activist Albert Hambardzumyan.