Mistakes Are Unacceptable: People's Fate Is Being Determined, Says Artsakh Foreign Minister

We must not make mistakes because the fate of the people is being determined at this moment. This was stated by Artsakh Foreign Minister Davit Babayan during a discussion held on February 19.

“We emphasize the involvement of scientific potential in foreign policy; therefore, it is a fundamental approach to problems. Without this, it will be very difficult to resist challenges. Armenianophobia in Azerbaijan is a state ideology, and we must never forget that. The problem is complicated by the fact that Armenianophobia is of an objective nature, and we must take this into account. The issue is not with the people. We do not harbor hatred toward the Azerbaijani people.

We must understand that the Azerbaijani state poses a threat to us; it can be fascist. The fact that a policy of Armenianophobia is being implemented in Azerbaijan is an objective reality because that nation is still in the process of formation. This does not mean that we are of first-class status and they are of second class; that is a flawed approach. However, it is merely an objective reality.

There are many national minorities there, and at least three of them have not assimilated. They constitute 49 percent of Azerbaijan's population. These national minorities live compactly, which means that all the grounds for secession exist. They constantly attempt to free themselves from Azerbaijani influence. Among them are the Talysh (800,000 people), who have declared their statehood twice (in 1915 and 1993), the Lezgins (350,000), and the Avars (150,000).

Azerbaijan sees the greatest danger in Artsakh and will do everything to preserve its statehood. It must be understood that the situation is very complex, and we need to step away from the virtual realm as much as possible.

We are dealing with a very well-organized enemy that has significant experience in geopolitical struggles. The fight is multi-layered; it occurs in informational, educational, political, and other spheres. Each of us has something to contribute.

We must be united and preserve national values. Artsakh should be one of the highest values for the Armenian people. Otherwise, everything will end very badly.

The stance of Artsakh is very important; therefore, we refrain from any internal political processes in Armenia. Unfortunately, there is a mass that waits for Artsakh's opinion to use it for internal political purposes, thereby harming Artsakh. We will not allow this, at least not from our side.

This does not mean that Artsakh has no opinion. We are closely monitoring developments and drawing appropriate conclusions, but it does not mean that we should express ourselves at every opportunity.

If we want to preserve Artsakh in this difficult situation, we need to have a strategy with a competent and patriotic approach. It is both simple and complicated, considering certain characteristics of the Armenian people.

We must not make mistakes because the fate of the people is being determined at this moment. We are in the most difficult situation in our entire history. Today, the issue of the existence of the Armenian people is at stake, so we must exercise utmost caution.

It is unacceptable to engage in geopolitical processes—pro-Russian, anti-Western, and so on. That will lead to disaster.

We have the opportunity to maintain normal relations with everyone. However, Armenianophobia in Azerbaijan will not change as they have issues with national minorities. There are geopolitical laws that operate everywhere.

We stand firm in our positions and will stand until the end. We have nothing left to lose. We must engage the healthiest forces to the maximum, be as professional and patriotic as possible; the rest are technical issues.

There is serious scientific potential in Armenia. It should be utilized in foreign policy. This is what all developed countries do. If analysis is conducted without the appropriate scientific base, it is impossible to achieve results.

For political thought to serve national interests, it must have an educational foundation. If that potential is lost, it will deal a blow to our statehood and our future. We are at the epicenter of the collision of great powers and regional powers’ interests, and we must objectively analyze the situation and have a real understanding of what has occurred,” he noted.