Wake Up, Armenian People. We Need to Expand the Circle of Political-Military Partners. Catholicos Aram I

The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I, issued a message on the occasion of the Day of the First Republic and regarding the current situation in Armenia. Below is his message:

“Anniversaries are not merely opportunities to reflect on the past. They also serve as reminders and challenges to plan and shape the future with a critical eye and a goal-oriented vision in light of the past and in accordance with current conditions. Thus, May 28 is significant for our nation. Indeed, the independence of Armenia, forged in crucial conditions, faced enormous challenges, and due to geopolitical pressures, Armenia lost its independence. However, the dream of independence remained alive in our people's lives, and in 1991, our dream became a reality on at least a portion of historic Armenia’s soil.

In the past 30 years, Armenia has experienced upheavals; conditions did not allow for an organized and developmental planned progress, keeping pace with the geopolitical changes in the region. Economic crises, emigration, and corruption have depleted the country, and the recent war in Artsakh plunged Armenia into a severe crisis. Now, 103 years after the first independence, Armenia is living through fateful days. As a result of the Artsakh war, we suffered significant casualties, lost land, signed infamous declarations, and moreover, today the borders of Armenia are also endangered.

Indeed, our nation cannot remain indifferent to these perilous developments that deeply shock us, threaten the independence of Artsakh and cast a shadow over the future of Armenia. Our entire nation demands a comprehensive, objective, and public accountability. Clouds of despair and uncertainty have gathered over the skies of Armenian life. But we refuse to live in an atmosphere of fear, a mindset of defeat, and steps that lead our people into retreat.

We are a people with strong faith and unwavering will. Such has been our history, despite the terrible storms that surround us. Due to its geographical position, Armenia has always been a pawn between great powers. Today, the situation remains the same. It is essential to read the signs of the times correctly, to evaluate Armenia's place and role within the Caucasus from a realistic perspective, and to adopt a corresponding orientation—far from theoretical approaches, demagogic outbursts, and opportunistic decisions. The crisis in Armenia is indeed a crisis of security and sovereignty.

If we cannot address it today with unity, prudence, and foresight, the foundations of the Armenian state may be endangered, including the very existence of Armenia itself. Let us be realistic. Under current conditions, Armenia cannot guarantee its security independently. Therefore, it is necessary to make persistent efforts to reinforce and simultaneously expand our circle of political-military partners based on mutual interests and trust.

The independence and integrity of Armenia are inviolable national sacred values for us. We must adopt a united and uncompromising stance regarding their firm preservation. Let us be vigilant. The war is not over.

Our genocidal neighbors continue to threaten the integrity and sovereignty of Armenia and the independence of Artsakh; yet we accuse one another in a frenzy of vengeance, weakening our forces and even losing our moral and national compass. In recent years, Azerbaijan prepared to impose its will militarily in the event of political negotiations failing. Meanwhile, we were lulled by romantic sentiments and dazzled by unrealistic promises, lacking the wisdom and courage to prepare for both peace and war. Let us never forget that if this so-called strategy of 'neither war nor peace' lacks international or regional patronage, it becomes temporary and dangerous, the costly price of which Armenia has paid.

Let us acknowledge our mistakes. For forty-four days, Armenian blood flowed on our lands; we remained isolated. Today, Armenia stands on the edge of a precipice; indeed, we are alone. We trust in our strength. Let us remember the battles of Avarayr and Sartarapat, fought for the salvation of our homeland.

Wake up, Armenian people. The unification of forces for the salvation of Armenia is an urgent imperative. With our collective determination and the participation of the entire Armenian nation, we are called to rebuild a Armenia where:

• the interests of the state prevail over political divisions and personal interests;
• the common and supreme values and aspirations of the nation and homeland unite all our children, regardless of their political viewpoints;
• spiritual and moral values and principles have a central place in the life of society;
• the healthy preservation of national identity becomes a priority in the face of globalization’s threatening currents.

We are called to jointly rebuild an Armenia that has:

• a developing economy, guaranteed by the rule of law;
• a healthy governance system firmly rooted in justice, transparency, and accountability that inspires confidence;
• a powerful army equipped with modern self-defense weapons;
• the ability to secure its important place in the diplomatic world and international community;
• the capacity to protect our nation’s violated rights.

Finally, we are called to jointly rebuild an Armenia that can practically embody the triad of Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora, following a clear path outlined by a national council. We shall determine and shape the future of Armenia and the nation, not others, no matter how harsh the surrounding conditions and daunting challenges we face may be.

Therefore, let us not just wait for the future by dreaming and making promises; let us begin to shape it today, channeling the full potential and manpower of our entire nation. This is the message to the generation that forged May 28. This is the message to our martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the defense of Artsakh. May God protect, sustain, and strengthen our nation and homeland.”

ARAM I, CATHOLICOS OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA