Armen Grigoryan, who represents Armenia at The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), yesterday called on the organization’s member states to take steps to prevent the annihilation of the Christian Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh.

Grigoryan, arguing in support of a PACE draft resolution calling on Baku to reopen the Lachin Corridor, said Europe must act to “prevent new genocides of the Armenian people.”

PACE adopted the resolution that underlines Azerbaijan’s responsibility “to protect and ensure the security of everyone living within its internationally recognised borders”. Such wording implies PACE recognizes that Nagorno Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan.

Grigoryan, in his address, listed the names of prominent Armenians (Charles Aznavour, Henri Vernoy, Galust Gulbenkian, Giorgio Armani) who moved to Europe and contributed to its cultural legacy, saying these individuals were convinced that their “new homeland” would act on behalf of the Armenian people.

“To avoid a new humanitarian disaster in Europe, we must be sure that Nagorno Karabakh is integrated into the international community, so the heritage of this people will become the wealth of the wider community of nations,” Grigoryan said.

Grigoryan, arguing in support of the above resolution said: “Armenians have been preserving their national dignity and identity for millennia. We have witnessed the destruction of many other empires and ethnic groups. This time we will be able to overcome the challenges facing my people. I hope with your support as well."