A meeting of representatives of the Russian community of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) was held Tuesday in Stepanakert, Artsakhpress reported.

Aleksandr Bordov, head of the Russian community of Artsakh, noted in his address that Nagorno-Karabakh is in a dire situation today, and only the strength and endurance characteristic of the people of Artsakh enable them to overcome with honor the trials of these months.

"Naturally, we remember that it was not easy for our grandfathers and fathers either, as the entire history of the holy land of Karabakh is a struggle for freedom, life, the right to live in the land of our ancestors," he said.

The head of the Russian community of Artsakh made a historical reference to Armenian-Russian relations, and in that context—also to the history of the Russian presence in Artsakh. According to Bordov, over the centuries, Armenians and Russians have created spiritual ties, which suggests the need to build strong allied relations for both peoples, countries, and faith.

According to the speaker, both the people of Artsakh and the Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh have found themselves in a difficult, actual crisis situation.

"It is clear that today we should be on the same side of the barricades," noted the head of the Russian community of Artsakh.

"We [i.e. the Russian community of Artsakh] definitely have nothing against the population of Azerbaijan, but we are against the [Azerbaijani] blockade [of Artsakh] that has been going on for 206 days and what has been carried out by the military and political leadership of Azerbaijan on the Karabakh land; moreover, contrary to the tripartite statement. All this, as well as the historical memory of the tragic events in Sumgait, Baku, Nagorno-Karabakh, when brutal crimes were committed [by Azerbaijanis] against the Armenian population, dictate the impossibility of [Artsakh] being a part of Azerbaijan and living together in the created situation; the wounds of the losses are too heavy," Bordov added, urging to devote all strength to the task of having a safe and prosperous Artsakh.

Then, in their speeches, the representatives of the Russian community of Artsakh highlighted the importance of Armenian-Russian friendship, and reflected on the ways out of the current situation as a result of the blockade and the opportunities.