Today, Thursday, September 28, the “Tashnag” party organized a demonstration in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lebanon, in protest against the renewal of the war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Clashes and wounded
In front of the watchful eyes of the security forces, ready to confront the riots, thousands of demonstrators walked towards the Azerbaijan embassy. A few hours later, clashes broke out between the demonstrators, security forces, and riot control personnel, especially as the latter tried to fiercely defend the main entrances to the embassy to prevent protesters from advancing toward it or storming it.
There were repeated cases of hit-and-run in front of the entrance to the embassy, but the security forces insisted on dispersing the demonstrators by throwing tear gas bombs, which led to cases of suffocation among the demonstrators. They refused to retreat, and resorted to throwing stones at the security forces and hitting them with sticks. Firecrackers and bombs were also thrown. Water was on the security forces, as part of the demonstrators’ attempts to cross the iron wires and forcefully enter the embassy, but firecrackers led to a fire breaking out near the embassy, which was immediately brought under control.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that the Tashnag Party has organized a protest in front of the Azerbaijan embassy, nor will it be the last, according to Al-Modon’s information. Last time, protesters tried to storm the main entrances to the embassy in protest against renewed clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
In Al-Modon’s interview with the media official of the Tashnag Party, Hagop Hoatian, he stated that the number of participants reached about 4,000 people, who came from various Lebanese regions, most notably: Bourj Hammoud, Awkar, Zalka, Antelias, Anjar… He stressed that the attacks were exchanged between Young demonstrators and security forces, resulting in the injury of more than 20 people, including children and the elderly. However, the injuries were minor and resulted from throwing firecrackers and tear gas bombs. He confirmed that they were taken to hospitals surrounding the area. Regarding the importance of this protest, he explained that it aims to raise a voice before the international community to urge it to intervene. It is a clear objection to the “genocide” to which the Armenians are subjected in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Israeli weapons?
In the same context, MP Hagop Pakradounian, in an exclusive interview with Al-Modon, objected to the Lebanese state’s disavowal of this issue, and called on the concerned authorities to move quickly to demand the rights of Armenians.
Pakradounian confirmed that the weapons used against Armenians by Azerbaijan are supported by Turkey and Israel. Saying: “The weapons used to kill Armenians in Azerbaijan are Israeli weapons,” and it is the duty of the Lebanese state to act.
On the other hand, Pakradounian stated that the most prominent demand today is to stop the genocide taking place in Azerbaijan, prevent the displacement of Armenians, and stop all violations to which they are exposed.
He added: What is required of the Lebanese state, according to his words, is to quickly announce its official position on this issue, stressing that he will work hard to pursue this issue within the Lebanese Parliament.
It can be said that Pakradounian’s demands were similar to the demands of all today’s protesters, who insisted on the importance of international intervention in this issue, more than ever before, in order to “stop the shedding of Armenian blood, and give this people the right to self-determination.”
2023-09-28 17:54:51
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