Shushi is Once Again Under Occupation: Araik Harutyunyan

The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan, has sent a message on the occasion of May 9. “May 9 has entered the history of the Armenian people as a symbol of its struggle for freedom and unwavering spirit, bravery and heroism, boundless love for the Homeland, devotion, and self-sacrifice. During the Great Patriotic War, our ancestors fought selflessly against the greatest evil directed against humanity—fascism—together with the other peoples of the Soviet Union. We are proud that Artsakh also made a significant contribution to the Victory, with every third resident going to the front lines, producing numerous heroes, marshals, admirals, and commanders within the USSR. Their heroic traditions have continued to the succeeding generations, forming a regular army from volunteer groups 30 years ago, successfully carrying out the operation to liberate Shushi and reclaiming the ancient fortress city of the Armenians.

However, today Shushi is once again under occupation, along with our hundreds of shrines and settlements that are being destroyed and subjected to vandalism by Azerbaijan. Their aim is to completely erase the Armenian trace and the Armenians themselves, violating all norms and principles of international law. Today, the security of Artsakh is ensured by our Defense Army together with the Russian peacekeeping forces. We are deeply grateful to our friends for standing by the side of the people of Artsakh and providing support in every possible way.

On behalf of the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh and personally, I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone on this precious and sacred holiday and pay my respects to the memory of all our fallen heroes who dedicated their lives to the defense of the Homeland, to their families and relatives. For the sake of our heroic ancestors, fathers, and sons, Artsakh must always remain Armenian and impregnable. Ever-lasting glory and honor to the devoted servants of the homeland,” is stated in the message.