People of Karabakh pray for no war
The most precious and important day for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh is Independence Day and it was declared during a war with Azerbaijan. On September 2, 1991, the people of Karabakh put their lives in jeopardy by going to the referendum, but they realized that independence was higher than everything else.
"The best thing that happened to the people of Karabakh was the declaration of independence and, most importantly, we freed ourselves from the Turks. The only thing we ask God is no more war," says 85-year old Emma Barkhudaryan who didn't leave Hadrut during the war.
"Every year we hold a grand celebration dedicated to Karabakh's independence and the 19th anniversary celebration will be no exception," head of the regime of Hadrut region Valery Gevorgyan told "A1+".
"We will visit monuments and lay flowers in memory of the freedom-fighters who sacrificed their lives for our independence. There will be a rally, as well as athletic and cultural events," says the head of the regime. "The people of Artsakh truly feel independent and understand that Artsakh is already a state. Having a second Armenian state in the region is a big deal for all Armenians," says Gevorgyan.
Resident of Togh village Zoya Shaburyan's four sons participated in the Artsakh war and all four were injured. She says they didn't leave the village for 5 years and now need happiness. "The most important thing for a mother who witnessed the war is peace," says Zoya, adding that they appreciate all that took place more by having an independent homeland and will defend the land, if a war is imposed again.
Zoya says she would like to see the international community recognize Karabakh's independence and have Artsakh join Armenia.
Resident of the same village, 78-year old Arkadi Arzumanyan is certain that there will not be a war. "Although Azerbaijan continues to threaten us with more weaponry, we know that they are not fighters," says the former teacher of the village. He says though Artsakh declared its independence, there is neither war nor peace. But one thing is for sure-these are and always will be their lands.
