WATERTOWN, Mass.—On September 25, 2023, our Nation was again confronted with a profound tragedy.
The relentless 10-month-long blockade, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh and the Azerbaijani aerial assault on September 19, 2023, which led to the displacement of our people, have all cast a shadow of suffering over our land. Yesterday, in the heart of Stepanakert-Askeran, Artsakh, a catastrophic explosion occurred, claiming the lives of innocent civilians and leaving hundreds injured, including children.
The Armenian Relief Society extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims of the explosion and their grieving families. We wish a swift and complete recovery to those injured and express our unwavering determination as a Nation to rebuild and recover.
The global community must respond promptly by initiating an airlift to aid the survivors, launch relief efforts, and support the injured and the families who have lost their loved ones.
During this period of profound sorrow, the unity and resilience of the Armenian people will undoubtedly shine as we stand together in solidarity to assist our fellow compatriots who have been deeply affected by this tragic event.
Armenian Relief Society
September 26, 2023
Armenian Relief Society International Inc.
Armenians must do some introspection as to why this happened. While we can blame specific actions of Russia, and of course the bloodlust of the Erdogan-Aliyev regime, ultimately it was Armenian weakness that led to this point. 2020 should have been a turning point, but instead Armenian political decadence accelerated, culminating in Pashinyan’s recognition this year of Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory. I, an Iranian, hate to see this ethnic cleansing. Russians hate to see this. But it is up to Armenians themselves to fight their own battles. Pashinyan went on a world tour for help while Aliyev built up his military. This is the outcome.