Strikes Against the Statehood of Armenia and Artsakh: Robert Kocharyan's Statement

On the occasion of the Day of Artsakh's Revival and the anniversary of the Nagorno-Karabakh movement, the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, who is currently incarcerated, has issued a statement.

The statement also mentions:

“Exactly one year ago on this day, I was in Stepanakert, where I had the opportunity to participate in the events dedicated to the anniversary of the movement with my many combat comrades and fellow soldiers. On that day, I noted with satisfaction that the spirit of freedom, just like three decades ago, soars in Artsakh. This is indeed an invaluable asset.

On this day, I believe we deserve more recognition than is customary. The role and place of the Nagorno-Karabakh movement in the history of the Armenian people is pivotal, no matter how much those guided by the convenience of the day try to diminish it. I am confident that future generations will duly appreciate its immense significance.

Unfortunately, I am not only addressing you to congratulate and reevaluate this day. As a result of complex internal and geopolitical twists, those who have come to power continue to deliver powerful blows to the foundations of the statehood of Armenia and Artsakh. They are taking deliberate steps to undermine national unity, sow discord among different segments of the Armenian people, devalue our history and heroes, and weaken the spirit of our victorious army.

It does not matter whether all this is done under the influence of external directives, from the gaze of ideological paternal figures, or merely to overcome their own complexes. In any case, it leads us towards the devaluation of the meaning of the Karabakh victories, that is, towards inevitable losses that will be devastating for our statehood.

Today, we simply must awaken.

The challenges facing our two states are growing day by day. To confront them, we need a vision for the development of our country and solid unity. The propaganda of hatred, the actual revision of national values, the disintegration of the state system, as well as a one-sided 'peace-loving' external policy are destructive for us.

We may not have the opportunity to overcome the dire consequences of transforming the country into a testing ground by a few dilettantes.