Agvan Vardanyan: Celebrating Independence Day in Such Conditions is Absurd

Agvan Vardanyan, a deputy from the 'Armenia' faction, returned from Artsakh with mixed emotions. He visited Artsakh for the first time since the 44-day war on the occasion of Independence Day. 'Passing by Shushi, you feel a certain pressure, whether you want to or not,' he said during a press conference at the 'Hayeli' club, adding that the visit was practical to gauge the sentiments on the ground. He met with former Artsakh presidents Bako Sahakyan and Arkadi Ghukasyan, former National Assembly president Ashot Ghulyan, current security council secretary Vitali Balasanyan, war participants, and citizens.

Vardanyan expressed concern about the ongoing uncertainty in the region, noting the absence of a core power center capable of setting an agenda and finding solutions to the fluid situation. He mentioned that both Artsakh and Armenia were looking for signals from each other, but stressed the need for the national-state mindset to unify against the detrimental duo formed in Armenia and Artsakh.

Regarding the question of why Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was not in Artsakh on the day of its independence, Vardanyan stated, 'The agenda that he is trying to turn into a public and state agenda simply prohibits him from such steps for fear of Azerbaijan and Aliyev's reaction. This person has fears that are more unique to him than shame. Ultimately, I believe he has little to do there; he has his 'steward' who, true to his nature, continues to view state office merely as a business opportunity,' he added.

Vardanyan pointed out the reality where the state leader alone decides all issues, regardless of the political majority's existence, which ultimately does not matter to him. He believes it's time for the conscious part of society to understand the Prime Minister's ongoing plans. 'Ultimately, everything he is currently agreeing upon with various power centers, Turkey, and Azerbaijan is confined within one individual, and no one can say where the boundaries of these agreements lie or what might happen.'

During today's cabinet meeting, Nikol Pashinyan announced that the events for the 30th anniversary of Armenia's independence would be 'massive and colorful'. 'Due to known circumstances, we cannot consider our mood festive, but we have decided that the 30th anniversary of Armenia's independence should be celebrated appropriately, with a large-scale and colorful celebration taking place in Republic Square on September 21, dedicated first and foremost to the memory of our heroes who sacrificed their lives for Armenia's independence, sovereignty, and security,' he specified. This change has been made so that there are four consecutive non-working days.

Vardanyan also remarked that the scenes and shows presented are characteristic of this leadership. 'This September 21, Independence Day, promising a colorful, large-scale celebration can only be stated by the last layer. We have received such tragic blows, the sovereignty of Armenia has been severely limited, and Armenia has turned from a subject into an object in international relations. In such circumstances, celebrating Independence Day in a colorful, large-scale manner is simply absurd, another manifestation of impudence.'