Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan has sent the following appeal to Armenians living outside of Armenia.
“Dear Friends,
Today, our homeland needs our protection more than ever before. Firstly, you have no moral right to leave your homes, grandfathers’ graves, and your children’s future unprotected. If any of you believe that you can find a dignified life, that you can live and create safely outside of Artsakh [Karabakh], you are sorely mistaken.
We have historically had a unique opportunity to have a free and independent state, for which we have already paid a high price once before. This is our last battle, where we have no right to give up, where desertion means betrayal. This is our land. We cannot let the enemy in and allow him to desecrate our sanctities.
Thus, I address you as proud citizens who have kept the dignity of the Armenian people high, as true patriots. Hurry to join your brothers who stand firm on their native land. Who, by standing at the frontline, by baking bread, by driving, are making our borders stronger.
Come back before it’s too late because your actions will be assessed by the people and by history. Instead of cursing, choose the path of blessing.
Artsakh is awaiting you all.” – Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan