Over 70,000 Armenian citizens of Artsakh, more than half of Artsakh’s population, gathered in a massive nationwide rally in Artsakh’s capital Stepanakert to demand the opening of the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor, which Azerbaijan has illegally blockaded for 14 days since December 12.
The nationwide rally took place in Renaissance Square in Stepanakert, Artsakh. Artsakh citizens held flags and posters with various slogans calling for the end of Azerbaijan’s illegal and genocidal blockade of Artsakh.
For the 14th day, the 120,000 population of Artsakh continues to remain under Azerbaijan’s genocidal blockade. On December 12, Azerbaijan blocked the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the rest of the World.
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Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan addressed the rally and urged the people of Artsakh to remain united in order to defend the dignity and future of Artsakh.
Vardanyan said Artsakh’s population has been left with three options in the current situation. “The first one is we obey and sooner or later integrate with Azerbaijan, the second one is we leave here, and the third one is to fight.”
“I made my decision on September 2; I am here, I am fighting, and I and not going to leave here, and I will not submit to Azerbaijan’s conditions. I’ll give everything for Artsakh’s independence,” added Vardanyan.
“There will be no miracle, don’t expect a miracle, we have a very difficult road ahead, we will pass this road together, but if we believe, we will be together; I am sure not only we will help the world, but the world will help us,” said State Minister Vardanyan
Vardanyan said, “We are in the fight. We have to make sure that the next generation sees that we have overcome these difficulties and achieved what we have sacrificed thousands of lives for.”
“We must oppose, counter them with our collective strength,” added Vardanyan.
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