Former Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) State Minister, philanthropist, and humanitarian Ruben Vardanyan, who remains imprisoned in Baku on politically motivated charges, has shared a New Year message expressing gratitude for the letters and support he has received. An audio recording of Vardanyan’s message was shared on Facebook by Mane Tandilyan, co-founder of Armenia’s Country to Live party.
Ruben Vardanyan’s Message From Prison
In the message, Vardanyan reflected on faith, resilience, and the importance of remaining true to oneself despite hardship.
“I want to thank everyone for your thoughts, feelings, emotions, letters, wishes. I feel them very well, I get warmth from them. I want to wish everyone a festive mood.”
He also spoke about creating joy and hope from within, regardless of circumstances: “I once read that the most important journey is the one within yourself, and that a celebration must be created from within. If you’re just an observer, it won’t feel real. You have to create that joy yourself. We shape the holiday regardless of where we are or the conditions we face.”
Vardanyan added that inner joy and sharing it with others strengthens people through difficult times: “The more you rejoice and are able to convey that joy to others, the stronger you become.”
Vardanyan encouraged people to preserve a festive spirit, especially for children: “Maintain the festive mood, the feeling of a miracle in yourself and your children, the expectation of something new. If you have time, watch children’s films, cartoons, fairy tales, and do not be ashamed of being a child.”
He then reflected on faith and the importance of having a moral foundation, or a “pillar of support,” in order to remain true to oneself: “We have lost faith in God and in ourselves. It’s very difficult to stay true to who you are in this world when you lack a point of support. I wish for all of you to have such a foundation.”
Vardanyan also reassured supporters regarding his condition and expressed hope about the future: “I want to say that I am alright. I have no doubt that everything will eventually be fine. In the end, light and goodness prevail in this world.”
“I congratulate everyone on the holidays, thank you all.”
ICRC Visit To Armenian Detainees In Azerbaijan
Meanwhile, delegates from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited all Armenians held in Azerbaijan on December 24 and 25, according to Zara Amatuni, spokesperson for the ICRC’s Armenia office. The visiting team reportedly included a physician.
