Cultural figures in Armenia have no right to remain silent especially in the current difficult situation the country has found itself, culture expert Samvel Haroyan, a member of the Voice of the Homeland initiative, told a news conference in Yerevan on Saturday.

 

According to him, a cultural figure becomes a national figure in such conditions when he “does not bury his head in the sand” and ignore the happenings around him.

 

"What cultural activity can we talk about after losing a country? We have lost a large part of Artsakh temporarily, look how endangered our wonderful churches, cross stones (khachkars), the tangible and religious heritage of Artsakh are, the history is being distorted by the neighbors in every way possible. What should we do? Should we fall silent? We have no right to remain silent," the expert said.

 

He noted that many workers in culture, science, education and other spheres who “have left their mark on our reality” have already joined their initiative. At the same time Haroyan said that ordinary citizens can also feel free to join Voice of the Homeland.

 

Haroyan said that the second important event of the initiative will take place on January 12.

 

"The initiative is a national movement. Naturally, it must continue until achieving its goal. The key purpose is the removal of the current destructive authorities,” he said.