RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan appealed to the citizens, saying:

On 24 April, the Armenian people and all progressive humanity will commemorate the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. For decades, thousands of people from Armenia, Artsakh, the Diaspora, and foreign guests have been visiting the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial that day. For all of us, the ceremony has the meaning and significance of remembrance, demand and rebirth.

In these days of April, 2020 we are fighting a new global challenge, the coronavirus, to overcome which restrictions have been imposed to ensure the security of our people, and the facts are forcing us to find a new way to pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

So, this year we are staying at home and not visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial, but we are taking the following steps to ensure our symbolic presence.

On 23 April, at 21:00, the lights of the squares and streets of Yerevan and the regions will be turned off under the sound of church bells. I urge you to turn off the lights in your apartment and turn on the flashlights of your phones near the window. This action will get its symbolic response from Tsitsernakaberd, which you can watch live on Public TV or turn your eyes to the memorial.

On 24 April, on behalf of all of us, the government will lay 105 thousand flowers at the eternal fire of the memorial. From 08:00 on the same day, citizens can send a message to the short number 1915 from Armenia, 0037433191500 from abroad to confirm their remote participation in the day’s advice. The names of the citizens who sent the message will be reflected in the columns of the memorial.

I would also like to mention that until 25 April, at 11:59 pm, due to security and organizational reasons, the Police will close the entrance to Tsitsernakaberd.

Thank you for your support, discipline and responsibility.