[25 February 1988]
The letter of Catholicos Vazgen I of all Armenians to Secretary of General Gorbachev
Recently, the citizens of Soviet Armenia, led by scientists, academicians, writers, artists, students from institutes, workers and laborers, more than two hundred thousand deeply angered citizens, are demonstrating peacefully in Yerevan, demanding that the question of the incorporations of Mountainous Karabagh into Armenia receive a just and legal solution, according to the right to the national self-determination foreseen in the constitution of the Soviet Union.
As is known, the council of deputies of the Karabagh region during its session of 20th February, 1988 expressed its unanimous decision, its will on this subject in this sense.
During the last few days we have been receiving numerous letters, telegrams, telephone calls from Armenia, and in particular from our bishops and church and cultural organizations overseas which, in the name of the over two million Armenians of the diaspora, are requesting that we intervene with the high authorities in the Soviet Union, so that the question of Armenian Karabagh receives a just solution, based on our constitution and according to a resolution of Soviet of people’s deputies in Karabagh and to democratic principles.
We are deeply concerned with the serious situation created, particularly given the fact that we have received news that there have been human victims and Armenian historical church monuments have been damaged.
Our people and we have always been faithful to the idea of the brotherhood of nations within the Soviet Union, and based on the unwavering friendship historically sanctioned, are requesting your decisive contribution toward a just solution to the problem.
On this occasion allow us to communicate our warmest feelings to you and to your associates, wishing you success in your efforts toward the restructuring and democratization of our great country, efforts which have been called upon to produce historic reform and to insure a stronger and a brighter future to our great Soviet fatherland.
Vazgen I
Catholicos of all Armenians
Holy Etchmiadzin
[Hairenik, March 5, 1988]
The Karabagh File, Documents and Facts, 1918-1988, First Edition, Cambridge Toronto 1988, by the ZORYAN INSTITUTE, edited by: Gerard J. LIBARIDIAN, pp. 101-102.
