Armenian declines to designate September 27 as "Remembrance Day" For Karabakh war victims

In a session, the Armenian government opted not to declare September 27 as the "Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Karabakh war."

The proposal, introduced by Gegham Nazaryan, an opposition MP from the “Armenia” faction and a bereaved father from the 44-day war in 2020, aimed to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the war, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

Despite the emotional plea, the government chose to refrain from making the amendment to the law “On the official holidays and memorial days of the Republic of Armenia.” Officials argued that existing observances, such as Army Day on January 28, already encapsulate the memory of all individuals who have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s defence over the years.

On September 27, 2020, a counter-offensive was launched in response to Armenia’s yet another large-scale military attack on Azerbaijani Army positions and civilian settlements. The counter-offensive later became known as Operation Iron Fist that led to the Patriotic War.

By decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated December 2, 2020, as a sign of deep respect for the servicemen who fought heroically and gave their lives for the territorial integrity of the country, September 27 was declared a Remembrance Day and is annually observed in Azerbaijan.

By Vafa Guliyeva