News - Serj Tankian: Armenians’ return to Karabakh can be ensured by international peacekeeping forces

World-renowned musician and songwriter Serj Tankian, the frontman of famous American Armenian rock band System Of a Down, posted a video message on Facebook, in which he reflected on the forced deportation of Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) a year ago, describing it as "ethnic cleansing." One year ago on this day, ethnic cleansing took place in Nagorno-Karabakh, and 120 thousand Armenians were forcibly displaced by the Azerbaijani administration from Artsakh, the land where they lived for more than 2,000 years. After nine months of siege and starvation, Azerbaijan attacked them. Luis Moreno Campo, the former prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, described Azerbaijan's actions as “genocide.” The International Criminal Court of the United Nations, in its turn, made several decisions, stating the need for the return of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. But they cannot trust Azerbaijan, a country that has carried out ethnic cleansing and killed many Armenians, showing extreme racism. Armenophobia is even their national policy, Tankian said. In his conviction, however, international peacekeeping forces can ensure the return of Armenians to and their safety in Nagorno-Karabakh. But for that, the political will of the international community, particularly of the European Union and the United States, is necessary. The OSCE also can play a big role in that regard, as per Tankian Armenians cannot lose the hope of repatriation, their desire to return to their homeland. What happened was an example of colonialism at its worst, including ethnic cleansing and genocide. The Armenians of Artsakh should have the opportunity to return to their homes, live in peace and normal conditions. Everyone should stand with them, Serj Tankian concluded.