These Statements Are Not Only Dangerous but Also Extremely Harmful to Armenia: Levon Barseghyan

The president of the Asparez Press Club, Levon Barseghyan, writes: “Through the Secretary of the Security Council and several members of parliament, almost ultimatum-like texts were directed towards Russia; you likely heard them. It was roughly this: ‘Fulfill your obligations regarding the territorial integrity of Armenia from the 1997 agreement, or we will ally with someone else.’ While this was not stated verbatim, the implication was clear: will you do it, or shall we call on someone else to come and save us?

It is a separate issue as to why a state (seeking to restore the territories of a lost empire) would be inclined to protect another state's territorial integrity. The question arises, what preparations were made prior to such a political message (1) with Russia itself and (2) with others? Perhaps there were preparations, perhaps not; I am not informed. But if there were none, these statements are not only dangerous but also extremely harmful to Armenia. In general, I think the very fact of making such statements indicates a lack of preparatory work with a ‘strategic ally,’ especially since it turned out that just a few minutes before 6 o'clock, Armenia had not yet submitted a written request to Russia. What a significant undertaking it would have been, even to send a written request to verify the functioning of the treaty, and only then to make an announcement.”