Opposition rally participants' has issued a statement, which was read out by Professor Gurgen Melikyan.

The statement reads in part: "We welcome the collective will of our Artsakh Armenian brothers and sisters to continue the struggle. Artsakh cannot be part of Azerbaijan; this idea is the basis of the Armenian declaration of independence, and we will defend it at any cost.

The policy implemented by the Armenian authorities threatens Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the realization of the provisions set forth in the Declaration of Independence of Armenia, endangers the existence of Artsakh, the exercise of the inalienable rights of Artsakh Armenians, drags our country into a geopolitical adventure, harms our relations with allied and friendly countries, brings new wars, losses and capitulation.

Armenia must not be in the middle of a conflict between Russia and the West. It is extremely dangerous and inadmissible to base the resolution of the Karabakh conflict on a policy of external reference points. We are for the normalization of Armenian-Turkish and Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, but without preconditions, force or the threat of it.

The Turkish-Azerbaijani demand of Zangezur corridor has no legal grounds. Azerbaijan must fulfill its obligations, return Armenian prisoners of war and other detainees and withdraw its troops from the sovereign territory of Armenia.

Turkey should not speak to Armenia in ultimatums. Our primary tasks should be to ensure public solidarity, to restore the army, to ensure the security of Armenia and Artsakh and the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity.

According to the decision of the Supreme Council of Armenia dated July 8, 1992, any international or interstate document which refers to the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic within Azerbaijan is unacceptable for Armenia.

At present issues of principal and vital importance to us are being discussed behind the back of the Armenian people. Completely violating their pre-election promises and the program of their government, the current authorities of Armenia are negotiating settlements which put under question the sovereignty of Armenia and the existence of Artsakh. These talks contradict the principles of international law, as they are held under the use and threat of force by Azerbaijan.

We declare that in violation of the domestic legal procedures of the Constitution of Armenia and the norms of international law the written or oral statements, promises, agreements of the acting authorities of Armenia have no legal force and will be considered invalid immediately after the inevitable change of power.

We believe that Armenia should act with a new negotiator in international relations. We urge the citizens of Armenia and Artsakh, the Armenian people not to succumb to disappointment and pessimism, to be ready to fight for Armenia, Artsakh, and the secure and prosperous future of our country," the statement said.

The rally ended with a concert.