35 years ago on February 20, 1988, the highest representative body of NKAO (Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast), expressing the will and desire of the absolute majority of the people of the autonomous territory, made a historic decision about NKAO (Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast) leaving the Azerbaijan SSR and rejoining the Armenian SSR at the extraordinary session of the regional council of the 20th convocation. This decision fully corresponded to the current Constitution of the USSR and the principles of international law. The decision of February 20 created the conditions for the process of forming the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic and its international recognition in accordance with the legal norms recognized by the international community.

The events of 1988 shook the entire Armenian people. The movement for a decent and free life in the homeland and for national statehood became pan-Armenian in nature. Artsakh became a symbol of nationwide awakening, and as a result of the national-liberation struggle, the Armenian people earned the right to independent statehood.

The fundamental decision of February 20, 1988 was followed by a declaration jointly adopted by the regional and Shahumyan district councils of the NKAR on September 2, 1991, which through a national referendum held on December 10 of the same year, completed the process of formation of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic in accordance with the norms of international law.

The events of 1988 were the ideological basis of every national program implemented in the pan-Armenian domain for 35 years.

In three and a half decades, we have gone through many trials. And today Azerbaijan is trying to break the will of the Armenians of Artsakh through the blockade.

Struggle must become a slogan in all fields of our life.

Expressing the will and wishes of the people of Artsakh, the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh

• calls on international structures and UN member states, particularly the co-chairing countries of the Minsk Group, apart from statements and exhortations, to take practical political, economic, military steps in order to prevent Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing and genocidal policy;

• appeals to our compatriots in the Diaspora and the Republic of Armenia, calling to unite the potential of the Armenians and take appropriate steps to curb the expansionist and aggressive actions of Azerbaijan, thereby defending the dignity and existence of the Armenian people.

The Parliament of the Republic of Artsakh, as a collective body representing the voice of the people, is committed to fundamental human rights and, guided by the values and principles of the UN Charter, is determined to realize the will of the people to live freely and independently in their historical homeland. Bowing before the memory of thousands of victims who gave their lives for the Motherland at all times, we express our readiness to continue their sacred work to achieve the victorious goal.

Congratulating all the Armenians and friends of Artsakh on this memorable holiday, we hope that the February awakening will become a new impetus towards the realization of national aspirations.

Stepanakert

20.02.2023