Former Deputy Defense Minister on Lukashenko's Statement

Former Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia Artak Zakaryan's post reads: “Not long ago, Armenia was a state, a real subject of international law. It negotiated with both major and minor states, as well as with neighbors and global and regional international organizations. Security, self-determination of Artsakh, recognition of the Armenian Genocide, economy, investments, culture, education, democracy, reforms, new consumption markets, energy, communications, ecology, finance, etc.

With vital interests or general agendas, the presidency institution, the entire diplomatic corps, the government with all its ministries, and even local self-governments actively worked in international relations. The National Assembly, with its entire representative body and supporting agendas, conducted extensive work on all parliamentary platforms—bilateral and multilateral—through its factions, committees, interparliamentary delegations, and friendship groups. The Armenian Diaspora also played an undeniable and significant role in this.

This was because there was an Armenian state, its strength, growth, rise, clear and compatible national interests, and priorities. In summary, there was a state of Armenia in the world, which had specific development goals and was properly presented, awaited, and accepted everywhere.

Where necessary, it was a firm bone. Where needed, it was soft and flexible. Where required, it was a partner and a friend. Where it wasn’t needed, it was an observer or neutral. If necessary, it even went to Baku, expressing its message unapologetically and firmly.

There was a time when we jokingly said in our internal discussions that if this continues, Armenia's foreign policy agenda will resemble that of a great power, referring to its saturation.

Since 2018, Armenia has turned into a helpless state—abandoned, without an agenda, without a program, purposeless, incomprehensible, and with pathetic political faces.

It hurts to see Lukashenko or someone else making contemptuous remarks about your state. What can one say about someone expressing an opinion about Armenia when today’s “leadership” of Armenia is afraid to even visit Artsakh? Lukashenko, of course, is an eccentric character, known for his extravagant statements. The question does not end there, and this is a new signal to the thinking Armenian society: What will Armenia’s place and role be in the near future? The Armenia that was merely four years ago a claimant and sovereign, is now degraded, despised, and plundered.

To the outside world, Armenia has become an unnecessary burden, while to the Turkish world, it is a desirable corridor. Accepting this situation is a crime against the state. No less of a crime than what Nikol and his henchmen have committed.

Therefore, we cannot reconcile with and tolerate this tragedy, and we will fight until we remove this national destroyer regime from power. Until we reach a state where no one, including Lukashenko, will ever think of making such contemptuous remarks about our wonderful country and dignified people.”