Genesis Armenia: We must reject the defeatist idea that we have lost Artsakh forever

On the occasion of Artsakh Revival Day and the 37th anniversary of the Karabakh Movement, Genesis Armenia Think Tank/Foundation has issued a statement, which is presented in full below.

“On Feb. 20, 1988, with the decision of the Nagorno-Karabakh Regional Council to join Mother Armenia, the Armenian people launched a movement to replace one of the greatest tragedies of the early 20th century with an era of national awakening. This movement culminated in victories reminiscent of the heroic battle of Sardarapat.

After struggling under Soviet Azerbaijani rule for 70 years, Artsakh rose up for the sixth time to reunite with the motherland. However, in response to the peaceful demonstrations of the people of Artsakh, Azerbaijan—far superior in resources and capabilities—unleashed systematic massacres and war. With the help of its ideological unity, the Armenian people resisted and emerged victorious. The victory in Artsakh was not just a success in a national liberation struggle; it was also a triumph of national values, aspirations, and the partial restoration of historical justice.

However, in the years of state-building that followed, instead of remaining committed to national values, political scheming and an indifferent attitude toward national interests became dominant and was even encouraged. This, combined with internal political intrigues, ultimately led to the temporary loss of Artsakh. This must be changed.

Dear compatriots,

In this extremely difficult time for our people—when Armenia has been transformed from a country that used to dictate strategic balance in the region into one that considers every demand of its enemy, and when even our statehood is under threat—there is only one way out: to restore the national unity that we had in 1988, not to fall for misleading narratives that divide us, weaken our solidarity, and aim to erase Armenian identity and influence from the eastern part of our Highland.

We will return to Artsakh

• For the fallen heroes who gave their lives for national aspirations,
• For those who continue their mission,
• For future generations, and for the ideology of ‘Armenia,’” reads the statement.