AYF Washington, DC blocks traffic to Azerbaijani Embassy, demands end to Artsakh blockade

AYF DC “Ani” Chapter members and supporters blocked the entrance of the Azerbaijani Embassy demanding the end of the Artsakh blockade

WASHINGTON, DC — Early Tuesday morning, the Armenian Youth Federation – Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Washington DC “Ani” Chapter blocked the entrance and road leading to the Azerbaijani Embassy, in a protest demanding that the Aliyev regime lift its brutal Artsakh blockade, now in its 37th day.

The street action is part of a series of ongoing youth protests, including a demonstration at the White House set for Saturday, January 21st at 2 pm EST. Additional information will be available on AYF DC social media and by emailing dc@ayf.org

On December 11, 2022, Azerbaijan began blocking the (Berdzor) Lachin Corridor, the only road leading in and out of Artsakh, resulting in the current humanitarian crisis. Over 400 tons of food, medical and energy supplies have been blocked from reaching the indigenous Armenian population of over 120,000. The Artsakh government must now tap into its reserves to meet the basic needs of Artsakh’s constituents.

AYF DC “Ani” Chapter member Nayiri Shahnazarian (left) offered powerful remarks at the protest demanding U.S. and international action to break Azerbaijan’s Artsakh blockade

“Our message to our brothers and sisters in Artsakh is: we are with you in this time of crisis and always – standing tall against the Azerbaijani and Turkish aggressors and those who aid and abet them – in support of our nation’s right to determine our own future; to live in peace and freedom on our historic homeland,” said AYF DC “Ani” Chapter member Nayiri Shahnazarian.

Members of the AYF DC “Ani” Chapter could be heard chanting “We are Artsakh Strong,” “Shame on Azerbaijan” and “Stop the blockade” to ensure the embassy hears and understands their demands. AYF members blocked the road to the embassy and persisted with spreading their message to the public.

Shahnazarian encouraged Armenian Americans and Artsakh supporters to join the protest on Saturday to demand immediate US action to “break Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh – to stop a second genocide of the Armenian people; sanction Azerbaijan for its war crimes already committed to stop the ethnic cleansing yet to come; and airlift emergency aid to Artsakh now – because tomorrow may be too late.”

Earlier this month, AYF DC “Ani” Chapter members joined the ANCA on Capitol Hill in calling for immediate US action to stop Azerbaijan’s Artsakh blockade, in meetings held in the opening days of the new 118th Congressional session. Take action now and participate in ongoing advocacy efforts directed to the White House, State Department, and Congress to break the Artsakh blockade.

AYF DC “Ani” Chapter members and supporters blocking the road leading to the Azerbaijani Embassy – protesting the genocidal Aliyev regime.

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AYF DC "Ani" Chapter

Founded in 1942, the AYF Washington DC “Ani” and “Sevan” chapters work to unite Armenian youth and organize activities in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. The chapter has a Senior ("Ani") and Junior ("Sevan") chapter. The Washington DC “Ani” chapter sets out to achieve its goals and objectives throughout the year and hosts events like joint meetings between DMV juniors and juniors in Armenia, protests and other forms of political activism, an annual chapter anniversary dinner and fundraisers to benefit the homeland. The AYF-YOARF's five pillars (athletic, cultural educational, political, social) guide the chapter and help keep its membership active and at the forefront of the Armenian cause at all times.