Memorandum from the Social Democratic Hnchakian Party to Gorbachev in support of Armenian claims on Karabagh
[1 December 1987]
Memorandum to General Secretary Gorbachev from the Social Democratic Hnchakian Party on the occasion of his visit to the U.S. The Hnchakaian Party reiterated its support for Armenian claims on Karabagh in an editorial on the occasion of the demonstrations in Karabagh and Armenia.
Mikhail Gorbachev
First Secretary of the Central Committee
Communist Party of Soviet Union
U.S.S.R Embassy
1125 16th St. N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
December 1, 1987
Honorable First Secretary,
Along with all other peoples, the Armenians extend their warm welcome to you on the occasion of your visit to this hospitable land. We are in no doubt that your presence in the United States will strengthen world peace, which is of paramount importance to the peoples of the world.
As in the Soviet Union, throughout the world, people follow with enthusiasm and satisfaction your proposed changes and restructuring within the Soviet Union. This restructuring, undoubtedly, will also have its positive and beneficial impact on Soviet Armenia’s economic, scientific, cultural, ecological and social fields, and other domains. Armenians living in Diaspora appreciate your endeavor and wish you success.
As is known, Soviet Armenian is one of the smallest republics of the Soviet Union. The Armenian people there is flourishing on a small portion of its historic territory. The Armenians are determined to claim and eventually recover their ancestral land, and to do this in the name of justice and for the brighter future of the Armenian people.
We are convinced that the Soviet Government will be able to resolve the “internal” territorial issue of the Armenian people. The autonomous regions of Karabagh and Nakhichevan which, respectively in 1923 and 1924, fell under the jurisdiction of the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic, historically are part of Armenia. Justice dictates that these erroneous arrangements be rectified during your term in office.
We are optimistic in this respect and hopeful that Karbagh and Nakhichevan soon will be annexed to the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. This will be ensure the right course of justice and enhance friendship among people.
Sincerely,
Social Democratic Hnchakian Party
[Masis, December 5, 1987]
The Karabagh File, Documents and Facts, 1918-1988, First Edition, Cambridge Toronto 1988, by the ZORYAN INSTITUTE, edited by: Gerard J. LIBARIDIAN, pp. 109-110
Image – George H.W. Bush (l), Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev on Governors Island, New York, 1987
