Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, in remarks delivered at the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Moscow today, honored the thousands of Armenians who fought and died as part of the Soviet Army in WWII.

“The Armenian people played a great role in achieving victory over fascism. More than half a million Armenians fought in the ranks of the Soviet Army on all fronts, from the Caucasus to Europe, showing incredible courage and selflessness,” Simonyan said in his speech at the assembly on the eve of Victory Day (May 9), a holiday that commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Victory Day is observed in Russia, Armenia, and several other former Soviet states.

“The Second World War left an indelible mark on the history of mankind. It brought not only devastation, but also immeasurable human losses, as well as moral and spiritual wounds that are felt to this day. Millions of people died on the battlefield, in concentration camps, died of hunger and disease,” Simonyan said.

He added that Armenia reaffirms its position to oppose all military escalations, to prevent attacks on civilians, and to resolve issued via political and diplomatic means.