Canadian MP calls for withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces, return of Armenian POWs

Public Radio of Armenia

Member of the Canadian House of Commons Fayçal El-Khoury has issued a statement, calling for withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia and return of Armenian prisoners of war. the statement reads:

I was deeply disturbed after learning that earlier this week, Azerbaijani Armed Forces illegally entered the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, once again attempting to disturb the already fragile peace in the region.

I denounce and condemn – in the strongest terms possible – Azerbaijan’s blatant aggression and violation of international law and I echo Minister Marc Garneau’s call for immediate de-escalation.

Following last year’s horrific aggression against the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), we must be ever vigilant and do all that we can to advocate for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Moreover, we must continue to multilaterally address the many post-war challenges facing the Armenian people, including the return of nearly 200 Armenian Prisoners of War illegally held by Azerbaijan, defending Armenia’s territorial integrity, safeguarding the centuries-old Armenian heritage and protecting Artsakh’s safety, security and right to self-determination.

In these uncertain and difficult times, I stand with the Armenian community in Laval-Les-Iles and across Canada and once again reiterate my strong stance for peace and justice.

 

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS