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Shafi Al Caprio, a surgical resident from India who has been living and studying in Armenia since he was 18, took to Facebook to congratulate Armenians on the Independence Day marked on September 21 and to express support for the country following Azerbaijan’s military aggression. Below is his full statement.

"Since I was 18 - till now , I grew up in this country .

I grew up with a lot of boys, who took their permanent residence in Yerablur.

I grew up with beautiful talented women, who lost their sons and grandchildren, and girls whose fiance's didn't return.

I grew up with hospitality, where we were making weekend khorovats in the foothills of Ararat, now we are thinking thrice before leaving our homes.

I grew up with nature, wandering in the forests - even bears would greets us , now we are bearing the burden of being alive - breathing through phosphorus.

This sovereign state was our whole world. We lived here with peace and love. Where we grew up with dreams and ambitions.

Dreams don't come to the person who has a needle in the eye. Ambitions gets forgotten , when your inner instinct says 'survival is the key'. Whilst the drones fly.

Shall Murals of Monte, words of Vazgen, spirit of Sassoun may kindle up our memories of pride.

May the Almighty bless and give us the strength to punish the aggressor's war cry!"