Renowned businessman, philanthropist, and former State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan, who is currently imprisoned in Baku on politically motivated charges, has managed to send a holiday message expressing gratitude for the letters and support he has received. The audio message was shared on Facebook by Mane Tandilyan, co-founder of the Country to Live party.

“We have lost faith in God and in ourselves. It’s very difficult to stay true to who you are in this world when you lack a point of support. I wish for all of you to have such a foundation,” Vardanyan said.

He went on, “I once read that the most important journey is the one within yourself, and that a celebration must be created from within. If you’re just an observer, it won’t feel real. You have to create that joy yourself. We shape the holiday regardless of where we are or the conditions we face.”

Vardanyan expressed confidence that all that is happening will ultimately end well: “I have no doubt that everything will eventually be fine.”

“In the end, light and goodness prevail in this world,” he concluded.

Delegates from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited all Armenians held in Azerbaijan on December 24 and 25, according to Zara Amatuni, spokesperson for the ICRC’s Armenia office. The visiting team included a physician.