Veteran of Karabakh war: We live as refugees in our country

The struggle of azatamartiks (freedom fighters) is going to be a long one, but instead of requesting, we will demand. Retired Colonel Volodya Avetisian made this statement at a meeting with reporters today. He has held a sit-down protest for several days in Liberty Square of Yerevan.

“We want to lead a life of dignity. We don’t beg alms. The state, rather than a number of benefactors, must support us. Let the state do its part and then benefactors may help if they want,” he said.

Another participant of the press conference, veteran of the Karbakh war Karen Melikbekian said for his part that they are not pursuing private interests as many freedom fighters have the problems they raised.

“All azatamartiks are in a disastrous condition. They have no roof over their heads. The members of their families starve and are in poor health. The impression is that we came from another country and live here as refugees,” he noted.

According to Karen Melikbekian, they make socioeconomic demands related to housing.

Yet another veteran who has joined the protest action, Stepan Stepanian, said that the bank is going to take possession of his house because he cannot repay his agricultural loan.

“Let them take it. I will put up a tent in the city center and live there with my eight grandchildren. I will become a city resident and also get rid of hail and its consequences,” Stepan Stepanian said.