Vazgen Sargsyan Asked Us If We Agreed That Artsakh Should Be Under Azerbaijan's Control, Khachaturyan Shares Memories

These gatherings bring together patriotic individuals, and even those who, for some reason, have not yet joined, are still one of us. I have noticed a certain pessimism among the participants of the rally; it is unnecessary, and we must set aside that pessimism. Nobody should harbor negative sentiments. This was announced by General Yuri Khachaturov, former Chief of Staff, at the France square.

“We have gathered for a great cause, and great undertakings do not favor haste. We must work every day, calmly, laying one stone upon another; in that case, victory will come at once. It will undoubtedly come; we only need to have patience and wait. Back in 1998, Defense Minister Vazgen Sargsyan asked us during a military council meeting whether we agreed that Artsakh should be under Azerbaijan's control. Whoever is in favor, raise your hands. No one raised their hands. After that, he posed a second question: Are you in favor of Artsakh's independence? Everyone raised their hands, after which Sargsyan said, ‘Now I know what to do.’ Two hours later, the president resigned.

At that time, it was said that there were people in power who wanted war, and so on. But what happened after 1998? For 20 years, we lived peacefully, proudly with our army, and there was no war. Now they are also saying that we want war. We do not want war; we want to be respected.

I do not understand those people who are asked whether they agree that Artsakh should be under Azerbaijan's control and they say they cannot answer that question. I understand that you cannot do anything to prevent it from being under Azerbaijan's control, but at least say that you do not want it. You cannot be silent like that. Are you not Armenian? Who are you?” said Khachaturov.

Referring to the actions of law enforcement towards members of the movement, Khachaturov stated, “If it is somehow possible to understand those people who support this government, I cannot understand the red and black berets. How can they behave like that? No man conducts himself in such a way; only cowards behave like that.”