Artsakh Awaits You All: Return Before It's Too Late, Artsakh President Appeals to the Armenian Community

The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, has made a special appeal on his Facebook page.

“I specifically call on all our compatriots who are able to bear arms and are currently outside the Republic, my fellow Armenians:

Dear friends, our homeland needs your protection more than ever today. You do not have the moral right to leave your homes, your ancestors’ graves, and the future of your children unprotected. If any of you think that you can find a decent life for yourselves and your families outside of Artsakh, you are gravely mistaken.

We have historically had a unique opportunity to have a free and independent statehood, for which we have already paid a great price once. This is our last battle, which we have no right to concede, and where desertion is tantamount to treason. Here, we are the masters, and we have no right to let the enemy in and allow them to defile our sanctities.

Therefore, I appeal to you as citizens who are proud and have upheld the dignity of the Armenian people, as true patriots: hurry back to join your brothers who stand steadfast on their native land, those who, while standing on the front lines, are baking bread and driving vehicles, strengthening both the front and the rear.

Return before it's too late, for the people and history will judge your actions. Choose the path of blessing instead of a curse. Artsakh awaits you all.”