Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan, in the following statement issued today, has called on Armenians to visit Artsakh and support the Artsakh people with their presence.

Dear compatriots, dear Armenians, dear people,

Seven months have passed since the day when our 30-year-old reality completely changed․ This period of each year was a time for our compatriots living in the Republic of Armenia, in the Diaspora, for foreigners, to discover Artsakh, to enjoy the purity of nature, to be acquainted with the centuries-old Armenian and Christian culture. The country, which is in constant danger of war, at the same time gave a sense of peace to everyone, connecting them to this land forever.

A lot has changed ․․․ There are many difficulties in Artsakh today. The aftermath of the war has deprived Artsakh of its former charm, but never of its meaning and deep substance.

We went through the atrocities of war. In 44 days we saw and felt all the human and inhuman suffering and, unfortunately, we continue to feel ․․․

But we are here, in the same place, hoping to stand again ․․․ Together with all of you ․․․

Visit Artsakh. Visit at least so that the 100 thousand Armenians living in Artsakh do not feel alone. With your presence you will strengthen the Armenians living in Artsakh so that Artsakh will always be Armenian.

I know that you have security concerns about visiting Artsakh. You have concerns about the road, in one part of which you must restrain your anger and see captured Shushi. There are difficulties with the terms of issuing visas to our compatriots in the Diaspora, but all this must be overcome. For the sake of the supreme goal, for the sake of not losing Artsakh.

Get up and come. They are waiting for you here ․․․