LACHIN–The anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation was celebrated December 2 in the Berdzor town of the Lachin (Kashatagh) region. Numerous figures from Yerevan traveled to Lachin to partake in the festivities.
ARF Armenia Supreme Body Representative Armen Roustamian stated to the people of Lachin that similar celebrations were occurring throughout various Armenian communities in the Diaspora. Roustamian mentioned the significance of the Lachin celebration since it is the important province connecting Artsakh to Armenia proper.
Roustamian went on to say that the ARF will never abandon the Armenian Cause and that it will always strive for "an independent–free–and united" Armenia–even if that concept is not pursued or desired by certain forces. He expressed confidence that–one day–the Armenian Cause will be resolved.
ARF member Kim Balayan mentioned the party’s commitment to the resolution of the Karabakh conflict–noting that even when the Ter-Petrosyan regime was opposed to further fighting–it was the ARF that was unwilling to give up the struggle to liberate Artsakh. Furthermore–the party firmly believed that a military victory would be possible. It is because of that dedication that the party is celebrating its anniversary on a portion of historic land that was once stripped of the motherland. Moreover–Balayan reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a united Armenia. He is confident that many of the Armenia’s who have emigrated will return to their homeland in two or three years–once the situation has improved.
Balayan thanked the Kashatagh "Meejnaberd" committee representative Artsakh Bounyadian. A cultural program followed–with locals partaking in various presentations.