Artsakh’s Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan extended greetings on the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ (Christmas) celebrated on January 6, Panorama.am reports.
"This year, we are celebrating the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany in Artsakh in extraordinary circumstances. But our people cannot be stifled by difficulties. No blockade, pressure or threat can break the spirit, will and determination of the Artsakh people to live in their homeland,” he said in a message.
“There have been far more difficult periods in our history. Those seeking to conquer our homeland have come and gone, but we have continued to live on our holy land for thousands of years and will continue to do so. Any difficult period passes, but our values, heritage and faith remain unchanged. Dear Artsakh people, Merry Christmas!” Vardanyan added.
For nearly one month, large groups of Azerbaijanis posing as eco-activists have blocked the Lachin corridor that provides the only link to Nagorno-Karabakh to protest what they claim is illegal mining.