Soghomonian: The time to act is now

AYF-YOARF Eastern US Central Executive member Alec Soghomonian’s remarks at the SOS! Artsakh protest, organized by the ARF Eastern US and AYF-YOARF Eastern US, held at the White House on September 1, 2023

For nine months, our brothers and sisters in Artsakh have been resisting genocide being committed at the hands of Azerbaijan. They have been deprived of food and medical necessities. Pregnant mothers have had miscarriages, an elderly man has starved to death, and at least three Armenian men have been kidnapped and sent to Baku. These barbaric and inhumane actions by the fascist regime in Baku have made clear that the only salvation for the Republic of Artsakh and the 120,000 indigenous Armenians is for them to exercise their right to self-determination and live independently on their ancestral land.

Unfortunately, yet unsurprisingly, the international community has remained silent. The United Nations has expressed its concerns but has done nothing else. The European Union continues to buy Azerbaijani gas at the expense of Armenian lives, and the United States has aided and abetted Baku by sending military aid and refusing to enforce section 907. Most alarming, however, has been the response of Nikol Pashinyan’s government in Yerevan. The blockade of the Lachin Corridor is a direct consequence of Pashinyan’s decision to hand over Berdzor last summer and falsely recognize Artsakh as a part of Azerbaijan.

All of these nations and international bodies have made their stance clear: they are willing to turn a blind eye to the genocide in Artsakh. However, the Armenian nation will not remain silent and allow our people to be slaughtered once again. We will continue to fight for the rights of our brothers and sisters in Artsakh in any way possible. We will make our voices heard and demand the just and quick end to this inhumane blockade. Neither Azerbaijan nor the incompetent regime in Yerevan can do anything to stop us.

Sireliner, ungerner yev hamageerner, the time to act is now. Wake up from your complacency. This blockade cannot become the new normal. We have all grown accustomed to chanting, “1915 Never Again.” Unfortunately, 1915 is here again. It is up to us to stop it.

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Alec Soghomonian

Alec Soghomonian is from Los Angeles, CA where he was a member of the Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" Chapter. Alec is an attorney in New York City and currently serves as AYF Manhattan "Moush" Chapter president. Alec is a dedicated member of the Armenian community and tirelessly works for the Armenian cause.

Latest posts by Alec Soghomonian (see all)

• Soghomonian: The time to act is now - September 19, 2023