I submitted a request to be relieved from my position as the Trade Representative of the Republic of Armenia in China: Varazdat Karapetyan

Former MP of the 'My Step' faction Varazdat Karapetyan wrote on his Facebook page:

“Dear compatriots, today I have submitted a request to be relieved from my position as the Trade Representative of the Republic of Armenia in China. I can imagine the most varied interpretations and speculations regarding this step of mine. My attitude and statement towards all this have not been formed in a day or two.

By declining the post of Trade Representative of the Republic of Armenia in China, I understand that now is not the time to go to China; now is the time to remain in our country and work on the harsh solution of this disgraceful defeat together with like-minded people and allies. We must have our own national state, a national vision, a mission, and a well-developed strategy, and only then should we think about our relations with others.

The path to achieving all this cannot be traversed by dividing into 'blacks' and 'whites,' by dismantling and destroying state and national values and institutions. Looking back at the path I have traveled with the ruling force, and analyzing it in light of the realities revealed to me during and after the war, I understand that I have had little to no influence on fundamental processes. My actions have not always been effective, or their long-term impact has been directed towards an unknown outcome. I will not try to refer to circumstances beyond my control and soften the situation.

Nevertheless, those are my actions, and I ask for forgiveness from those who have placed their hopes in me and believed in me. I do not consider it appropriate to mention the results of my parliamentary activities here, as I believe I have been mandated precisely for those tasks.

With this step, I am not choosing any particular political force, party, or leader, especially now when trends of division and mutual plundering have reached catastrophic heights. I choose the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian language, traditional patriarchal family, a strong community, a strong state, where individual rights do not contradict the national state, where the army is at the center of the development of science, economy, and education. I choose national and public solidarity, unity, and in this domain, Nzhdeh is the brightest hero.

Now, together with my friends, we are creating a foundation for the dissemination, strengthening, and development of national values. I will write or tell more extensively about our programs soon.”