Statement by Nicolas Aznavour
Nicolas Aznavour, co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Aznavour Foundation, has issued a statement addressing the hunger strike of Ruben Vardanyan, former State Minister of Artsakh. The statement was published on the foundation’s official website and disseminated on social networks, quickly gaining the attention of the Armenian and international community.
In his address, Aznavour emphasized Ruben Vardanyan’s many years of service to Armenia and the Armenian people, his humanitarian work, and national initiatives. He noted that Vardanyan has been unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan for over 500 days and has declared a hunger strike in protest against his illegal detention.
Ruben Vardanyan’s Contribution to Armenia
Nicolas Aznavour detailed Ruben Vardanyan’s contribution to the development of Armenia and Artsakh. He spoke about Vardanyan’s educational and social programs, initiatives aimed at restoring communities, as well as activities promoting economic development. “From educational and social programs to community reconstruction and promotion of economic development, the results of his efforts are visible in Armenia and beyond,” Aznavour noted, emphasizing the pan-Armenian significance of Vardanyan’s work.
He particularly emphasized that all of Ruben Vardanyan’s efforts were aimed “for the benefit of all Armenians, for our dignity, our rights, and our aspiration to live in peace.” In this context, Nicolas Aznavour highlighted Vardanyan’s personal dedication and commitment to fulfilling his obligations to the Armenian people.
Call for Unity and Support
The key part of the statement was Nicolas Aznavour’s call to all Armenians to unite and support Ruben Vardanyan during this difficult period. “Now it is our turn to stand by Ruben. We must urge him to stop the hunger strike and allow us, Armenians around the world, to help him bear this burden,” Aznavour declared, appealing to all Armenians, regardless of political views and beliefs.
He urged raising voices in defense of Ruben Vardanyan, informing the international community about his unjust imprisonment, and demanding action from international organizations and governments. “We must raise our voices, initiate awareness-raising measures, demand action. His selfless dedication should not come at the cost of health or life,” Aznavour noted, expressing concern about the deterioration of Vardanyan’s health.
Message to Ruben Vardanyan
At the end of the statement, Nicolas Aznavour sent a personal message to Ruben Vardanyan, addressing him as a “dear friend” and asking him to stop the hunger strike. “Ruben, my dear friend, we need you strong and standing by our side. Please stop the hunger strike, let us continue this fight for justice together,” Aznavour said, expressing hope that Vardanyan will heed his request and stop the hunger strike to preserve his health.
This statement by Nicolas Aznavour is an important step towards drawing the international community’s attention to the issue of Ruben Vardanyan and accelerating his release. It is expected to spur a pan-Armenian movement in support of Vardanyan and his rights.
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