LA Armenians rally against Azeri violence, call to form volunteer team

April 5, 2016 - 10:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenians of Los Angeles on Monday, April 4 held a protest action to voice their anger against Azerbaijan’s policy of aggression and express support to the Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh, Tert.am reports.

The crowd gathered outside the Armenian Consulate in Glendale, one of the most densely Armenian-populated cities in the Los Angeles County.

The protest attracted many Armenians, including young activists, who extended their solidarity to the Armenians, condemning Azerbaijan’s violence.

The crowd is at the protest site chanting slogans and singing national and patriotic songs, as well as delivering prayers, Tert.am said. Vardan Karapetyan, a member of the municipal council, has also joined the protest.

The youth activists have also voiced a proposal for creating a team of volunteers to join the military operations on the Nagorno Karabakh frontline. They say that some are already on their way to the battle site.

Tert.am. Los Angeles Armenians protest in support of Armenians in Karabakh

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.