At a protest rally convened near the Armenian government building, Avetik Chalabyan, who co-founded and coordinates the HayaKve (Armenian Vote) initiative, urged the public not to abandon Republic Square on September 20 and to avoid letting the city grind to a halt. The report from RIA News captures his call to sustained civic action and orderly, resolute presence in the heart of the capital as a display of collective resolve rather than a mere temporary flare of opposition.
Chalabyan stated plainly, “We are fighting for our lives, for our rights, for the future, for our children,” framing the rally as a moral imperative that goes beyond political slogans and into the realm of everyday endurance for families, neighbors, and communities who hope for stability and dignity in their daily lives. His words were meant to galvanize participants to see the long arc of their engagement as essential and meaningful rather than a short-term confrontation.
He warned that the struggle would require patience and resilience, insisting that supporters prepare for a protracted effort without allowing fatigue or disappointment to derail their momentum. According to Chalabyan, protesters should remain in Republic Square on the days ahead in order to effectively “paralyze the entire city,” a phrase he used to emphasize the power of a persistent, peaceful demonstration to disrupt routine governance and draw sustained attention to the issues at stake.
The activist also drew attention to the broader regional dynamics by reminding audiences that ten villages in Nagorno-Karabakh are currently encircled by Azerbaijani forces, a circumstance that adds gravity to the protesters’ message and underscores the humanitarian and security dimensions of the conflict for ordinary residents who fear displacement, harm, and an uncertain future.
The Russian Foreign Ministry weighed in with concerns about escalating tensions and urged both sides to return to diplomacy as a means to resolve the crisis. This call reflects the ongoing interest of external actors in preventing a broader regional escalation, highlighting how international diplomacy intersects with domestic demonstrations and the prospects for a negotiated settlement that respects the rights and security of all affected communities.
Following clashes with the police in Yerevan, there were reports of detainees, signaling a sharp moment in the street confrontation that underscored the risks inherent in large-scale demonstrations. Earlier in the day, it was noted that protesters in Yerevan attempted to breach police lines around the government compound, an action that intensified security responses and prompted a further debate about strategy, restraint, and the boundaries of lawful assembly in a tense political environment.
In a broader frame, the Azerbaijan-Armenia dynamic has repeatedly focused attention on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and the delicate balance between sovereignty and self-determination in the region. The statement points to how longstanding disputes shape contemporary street protests, international diplomacy, and the lived experiences of people who must navigate uncertainty while advocating for recognition, protection, and a sustainable peace. At the heart of these developments lies a shared question for observers in the region and beyond: how can communities pursue justice and stability in a setting where historical grievances intersect with present-day governance and security concerns, all while seeking to minimize harm and maximize the chance of durable, peaceful resolution in the years ahead. (Source: RIA News)