State Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh Ruben Vardanyan has pledged to give up his connections, name and wealth for an independent Nagorno-Karabakh.

Vardanyan on Sunday, December 2 spoke at a nationwide rally in Stepanakert in front of a 60,000-70,000 strong crowd and rejected Azerbaijan's demand to abandon Nagorno-Karabakh.

He said the struggle has been going on for almost 35 years, and that Nagorno-Karabakh has three options.

“We have three roads: to integrate into Azerbaijan, leave, or fight. I made my decision on September 2, I am here, I am fighting, I will not leave and will not submit to the demands of Azerbaijan,” Vardanyan said.

“We must do everything so that the next generation witnesses victory – an independent and happy Artsakh. We know that we have made many mistakes, that we have lost our strength. The world has changed and we have learned this lesson in order to move forward.”

For over two weeks now, the key road has been blocked by Azerbaijanis who claim to be environmentalists. Azerbaijan had also deprived the people of Karabakh of gas supplies.