Artsakh is the Musa Dagh of the 21st century, but this time its defenders shall stay forever, German scientist and historian Michael Hesemann told Armenian News – NEWS.am.

He congratulated all citizens of Artsakh on preserving their 1700 years old Armenian Christian culture and heritage “in the midst of a hostile environment and withstood the violence of their neighbors.” 

“They have every right to defend their autonomy. As Armenians they are the descendents of the original owners of this land and their long tradition gives their claim every legitimacy. As victims of "the first genocide of the 20th century" (Pope Francis) the grandsons of their murderers owe them any compensation and, first of all, their grief and respect. The free world shall never allow their ongoing discrimination and suppression or even violence against them. Artsakh is the Musa Dagh of the 21st century, but this time its defenders shall stay forever! God bless the Arnenian heroes of Nagorno Karabakh!” Hesemann stressed.

On 2 September 1991, the Nagrono-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) proclaimed its independence in line with the ultimate norms of the international law.