Former Armenian Mayor of Glendale, Ardy Kassakhian, has called on his friends, colleagues and others to support the people of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) who have been in blockade by Azerbaijan for more than seven months.

“I'm grateful to everyone who has called or texted to wish me a happy birthday today. That you took a moment to remember me is much appreciated. But I want to ask everyone for a favor. If our friendship has ever meant anything or I have been able to help you in someway, then please take a moment to also think about the innocent people of Artsakh who are on the verge of starvation and annihilation,” he wrote on his X/Twitter account.

“Write or call your Congressional representatives. Speak out! Help me stand with Artsakh. It would be the greatest gift in the world if you would join me in raising awareness and demanding that our US Government puts actions behind its words to help the Armenians of Artsakh.”

Azerbaijan has kept about 120,000 residents of Nagorno Karabakh in blockade for several months, depriving them of basic necessities. Armenia has sent about 360 tons of humanitarian relief to Nagorno Karabakh, but the trucks transporting it are stuck near the Lachin corridor as Azerbaijan does not allow them to enter Nagorno Karabakh.