Step Out of the Faction and Act as an Independent MP: Manukyan to 'My Step'

The statement by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the entire command today is not a declaration of political bias, but a warning that the territorial integrity, security, and inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia are under threat due to the direct actions of the leader of your political force. Vazgen Manukyan, the unified candidate of the Homeland Salvation Movement, issued a statement.

"Dear MPs of the 'My Step' faction, I address you as a direct participant in the political processes of the recent history of Armenia, a figure who has been at the forefront of shaping the independence of our state and the victory of the Artsakh Liberation War. The purpose of my address is to convey the seriousness of the moment and the consequences that could be devastating for our state and people.

The last war, which ended disgracefully with the trilateral statement of November 10 and the ongoing processes, has created a new alarming situation in the country and its surroundings. Moreover, we now face a real danger of significant loss of sovereignty and becoming an unprotected and third-rate state in the region.

I understand the enthusiasm with which you assumed the responsibility of power, convinced that under the leadership of Pashinyan, you would build a new country where the law and justice would prevail, a country that would be modern, developed, and strong, becoming a source of pride and dignity for all Armenians. Unfortunately, the opposite has happened.

The reality today is that not only our country but also you, perhaps against your will, have fallen into a trap. By circumstance, you bear the responsibility for this horrific reality, a reality that many of you support but are not direct culprits of. Your sincere drive and enthusiasm to serve the country have been exploited, and you have been betrayed.

Regardless, Nikol Pashinyan will leave in one form or another, leaving a stain on our history. Do not take that stain upon yourselves. The statement by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the entire command today is not a matter of political bias, but an alarm that the inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia is under threat due to the direct actions of the leader of your political force.

Political prudence demands that this time you take the most responsible step of your life and free yourselves from this heavy burden by leaving the 'My Step' faction, as it no longer serves the principles and goals for which you joined that team. This is also my request to you as a senior.

Moreover, your role and weight as individuals are constantly subordinated to the will of one person, and it is shown that you are nothing without that one person.

Step out of the faction and act as an independent MP. Take on your individual political responsibility for the sake of our country and the future of our people. It is essential that you make your decision not under public pressure, but with a full understanding of the seriousness of the moment.

P.S. I am ready to meet with you in any format and discuss the current situation and all issues related to the future of Armenia in more depth together with you."

— Vazgen Manukyan