Do Not Teach Me Patriotism: Alen Simonian on Changing the Anthem

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonian has once again addressed the issue of changing the anthem of Armenia, writing on his Facebook page:

“Listen, enough with discussing the anthem, just enough.”

If this topic is so uninteresting, so unimportant, then why are you talking so much about something that doesn't exist? You tell me, is there no important work to be done? I work every day from 9 AM, while you keep writing and writing about this 'insignificant' topic that is neither a legislative initiative nor aims to be one. Or does someone think that these noisy discussions will change anything? You are overestimating yourselves; you do not know me well. Even if I am left alone, I will not betray my principles. If I have given hope to someone, I will not take it away.

Hundreds of people are reaching out to me, and I will not deceive them. Avetik Ishkhanian is upset that there is a church hymn in A. Khachaturian's music; he tries to mock me, which is clear, he is an unbeliever. There’s Suren Surenyan, who writes two statuses a day, forgetting his past, pretending he knows some thirty-something soldier who served somewhere for two years. It seems to me that onlookers would say, 'He himself won the war in Artsakh'. And when those who have seen Armenia only in pictures and do not know the Armenian alphabet start talking to me about patriotism, those same people who, even if they come to Armenia, do not take Armenian passports for their sons so they won’t be drafted. Hrant Ter-Abrahamyan even threatens in his 'lavash' materials. I won’t even mention some members of the Dashnaktsutyun party who think I am Serzh Sargsyan, that they should pressure me, and I will surrender and not express my opinion. Gegham has turned his struggle against me into a banner to elevate his position. Furthermore, there are fake pages that do not read long texts from the headline and use every opportunity.

If I have forgotten someone, feel free to find yourself and others. Now, listen carefully, I am saying this for the last time, gather somewhere and listen attentively: Do not teach me patriotism. At 20, after university, I served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, I did not emigrate even though I was well-off and had numerous opportunities to do so. I stayed and fought for my country, putting my life and freedom at risk, and I achieved success with my friends.

Therefore, Aram Khachaturian's Armenian music will have lyrics, it will be performed, and it will have life. It will resonate in the Republic of Armenia, and the Armenian people will have that version, albeit not the state version. I have never claimed that I would present such a legislative initiative. As for Our Fatherland, let it remain an anthem until the citizens of the Republic of Armenia decide otherwise.

P.S. Dear journalists, I request no more interviews or comments on this topic. For all inquiries, please contact the working group. All users who insult, mock, or ridicule will simply be blocked. I consider the topic closed for now.”