This Situation Should Not Have Existed: I Am Sorry, Says Relative of Fallen Soldier

Relatives of soldiers who died in the Artsakh 44-day war have gathered once again in front of the government building, demanding the cancellation of the festive events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Independence, scheduled for tomorrow.

In the days leading up to this event, dozens of relatives expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's decision to hold a concert in Republic Square on that day, gathering at the same location to urge the government to honor the memory of their fallen children and cancel or at least postpone the festivities.

One relative of a fallen soldier expressed sorrow over the government's attitude. “I am sure that many people are sitting at home, grieving and ashamed of the leadership,” the citizen said.

Recently, the assistant to the Prime Minister met with the protesting relatives in front of the government. Nairi Sargyan, after hearing the relatives' demands and arguments, stated that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Independence, which is why the government decided that the celebration must go ahead. He assured them that all arrangements would take into account the current situation, insisting that both the concert and other events would surely be welcomed by the relatives.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's statement about a “colorful celebration” to be held in Republic Square on September 21 had previously provoked anger among citizens and many parents, leading him to apologize in Parliament days later for such wording.

A group of citizens held a protest against the concert program on September 18 in the capital, which ended with the police dispersing the gathering and detaining dozens of citizens.