2024-07-19 02:05:49
The visit to the USA had a clear message to show and tell everyone that we do not consider that the subject of Artsakh is closed, that we should no longer talk about the people of Artsakh or the protection of their rights. Reflecting on the questions and results raised within the framework of the visit to the USA from January 22 to February 9, Artsakh HRD Gegham Stepanyan announced.
“Unfortunately, we see that against the background of regional developments, the agenda for the protection of the rights of the people of Artsakh is closed or ignored, and it is a task for us to deliver this important message to the representatives of the Armenian diaspora in the United States and to American circles, to present the range of concerns that we have,” he said.
Gegham Stepanyan specifically referred to the visit to Washington and noted that they participated in the prestigious conference on international religious freedom.
“It was an important platform for us to talk about the threat to the Armenian soul and historical and cultural heritage in Artsakh,” he said.
According to him, they had a meeting with about 60 congressmen and senators in the United States Congress.
“First of all, we raised the issue of providing proper international support to the people of Artsakh, which, unfortunately, we have not seen until now. We have spoken out that the people of Artsakh as refugees are in difficult financial and domestic conditions,” he said.
According to Stepanyan, the second issue was the immediate and unconditional release of prisoners and hostages in Azerbaijan.
“It was emphasized that, unfortunately, there is no channel to get clear and unbiased information about the conditions of detention and health of these persons,” he said.
The speakers also referred to the problems of preservation of the Armenian historical and cultural heritage in Artsakh and realization of the right of safe return of Artsakh people. “We noted that it is not possible in the current situation, but we will not reconcile with the idea of losing Artsakh and will demand that our right of return be properly exercised,” he said.