Families of Fallen Soldiers Demand Cancellation of Event, Sarkisyan Insists 30th Anniversary Must Be Celebrated

The situation being discussed in front of the government with the relatives of fallen soldiers is addressed by Prime Minister's assistant, Nairi Sarkisyan. The relatives are demanding the cancellation of the concert event dedicated to Independence Day on September 21, which Prime Minister Pashinyan recently announced, stating that a "colorful celebration will take place."

One of the parents suggested to Pashinyan's assistant to cancel or postpone the planned event, and instead, those who wish could hold a candlelight march to Yerablur on September 21 to pay tribute to the memories of the heroes who died in the war. Other relatives noted that the funds allocated for the event would be better directed by the government to address the issues of soldiers and volunteers who were wounded and disabled during the war, while another expressed confusion as to why a large-scale event is being organized, gathering a massive number of people at Republic Square, when the COVID-19 situation has worsened.

Nairi Sarkisyan stated that there will be no fireworks, and the event will showcase and recall significant events and milestones from the 30-year history of Armenia in a staged manner. According to Sarkisyan, the event is dedicated to the celebration of Independence Day, which must be commemorated, but this year marks a special anniversary—the 30th, and thus it has been decided to celebrate it appropriately while honoring the memory of the victims.

Relatives counter that cannot the events be postponed and at least wait until the one-year anniversary of the fallen soldiers' deaths before holding any event, perhaps after November 10. Sarkisyan pointed out that soldiers who fell in the war died at various times, thus it would be wrong to designate a specific day based on that principle, emphasizing that soldiers are still being killed this year.

The Prime Minister's assistant suggested that the protesting relatives go to the government and discuss the issue, but the attendees expressed differing opinions, with some agreeing to hear the government’s proposals while others categorically refused to enter the government offices and participate in any discussion.