A series of events dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of the Independence of Armenia in Belgium

21 September, 2024

On September 20-21, a series of events dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of the Independence of Armenia took place in Belgium.

In particular, on September 20, a concert of the "Tsirani Tsar" choir was held in Antwerp, Belgium, which was organized by the "Noy" women's union. The choir was composed of the artistic director Mr. Ivo Boswijk, kanon player Ms. Ruzanna Hakobyan and 26 singers from the Netherlands, who presented the "Colors of Armenia" program to the audience.

On behalf of H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of Belgium Dr. Tigran Balayan, diplomat of the Embassy Mr. Sergey Muradyan delivered remarks, where he thanked the "Noy" women's union for organizing the event and noted that for centuries the Armenian people have preserved the awareness that the most important guarantee of a safety and successful national future is an independent state, and all of our efforts should be directed to its prosperity and betterment. The history of this important day-September 21- was created at the cost of many hardships and struggles, but it continues to be a symbol of the unity and resilience of the Armenian nation.

It was also emphasized that today is the 1st anniversary of Azerbaijan's attack against Nagorno-Karabakh and the subsequent ethnic cleansing. Despite many condemning statements from the international community and the legally binding rulings of the International Court of Justice, Azerbaijan continues to illegally detain 23 of our compatriots up until now. Their release, as well as the preservation of the rights of our forcibly displaced compatriots from Nagorno-Karabakh to safely return to their historic homeland and to live in dignity, remains an important imperative.

Emma Chatalbashyan, Chairperson of the "Noy" women's union and the organizer of the concert, also delivered a speech at the event.

On September 21, the opening ceremony of the Armenian cross-stone (Khachkar) took place in Roeselare, Belgium. The khachkar symbolizing the friendship between the Armenian and Belgian peoples was installed with the support of the Khachaturian family, the Armenian community and the Roeselare city authorities.

Mr. Vardan Sargsyan, Counselor of the Embassy, delivered the opening remarks during the ceremony, where he stated that the installation of the khachkar on the symbolic day of Armenia’s Independence testifies the willingness of both nations to further strengthen and deepen the ties based on mutual sympathy and common values. It was also mentioned that after the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh a year ago, around 120 000 Artsakh Armenians were subjected to ethnic cleansing, and now we are witnessing the Azerbaijani policy of eradication of the religious and cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the destruction of Armenian khachkars.

Mieke Van Brussel, Deputy Mayor for cultural heritage affairs of Roeselare and Very Rev. Father Zadik Avetikyan also delivered remarks during the event.

On the same day, the Armenian Committee of Belgium organized a festive event dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia in the "Hay Tun", which was attended by representatives of community structures, the Embassy Representatives of the Republic of Armenia in Belgium, as well as Belgian officials.

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