For Me, It No Longer Matters Whether I Hold a Position or Not - Ruben Vardanyan

Public and political figure, co-founder of the "We Are Our Mountains" agency, and former Prime Minister of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanyan held a meeting-discussion with a group of representatives from the Artsakh Armenian community in Stepanakert, addressing the ongoing blockade by Azerbaijan and the importance of resisting the challenges, securing the future of Artsakh, and fighting to maintain its Armenian identity. This was reported by Vardanyan's press office.

To confront the serious challenges facing Artsakh, Vardanyan emphasized the importance of dispelling despair and apathy, defining goals and ideologies, rallying around them, and engaging in daily struggle for a free, independent, and Armenian Artsakh, where future generations of Armenians can live with dignity. He stated, "Without the importance of ideas, values, and our internal sense of unity, we cannot overcome these difficulties."

Vardanyan pointed out that our people, who started the movement 35 years ago and achieved successes through sacrifices, possess this potential. "At that time, there was enthusiasm; leaders were also guides who were not afraid to take on that great responsibility and move forward. They were primarily the youth. I am concerned that today, disillusionment has led us to a place where we trust no one."

According to Vardanyan, we have found ourselves in a situation where everyone must make a choice and a decision. "On September 2, I came here as a soldier because I believe we are facing a situation similar to the one we had nearly 100 years ago at Sardarapat. We must all be ready to fight and not allow the loss of Artsakh. For me, it no longer matters whether I hold a position or not; even if I remain alone, I will fight for that cause. But I am confident that I am not alone and that there are many who think like me. Making that decision gives great strength. Each of us must confront that decision within ourselves. It is a difficult decision that leaves no room for retreat, and after that decision, the only way is forward. There may be sacrifices on that path, but it is better than losing your dignity or homeland," he emphasized.

He noted that he has chosen the path of struggle, which personally means fighting for Artsakh's independence, the unity of the people, through actions, connections, possibilities, and capabilities every day. Speaking about the steps to achieve the goal, Vardanyan highlighted the need to return to real values and to free ourselves from dangerous myths. "We have a difficult road ahead. It is possible that our children will continue our fight for another 35 years. We must be ready to free ourselves from the myths that someone owes us something. No one owes us anything. It is crucial to understand this because it has been customary for us to think that the Russians, Americans, or French would not allow a war to happen. Those erroneous myths hinder us."

He mentioned that society must be prepared to answer questions about what kind of state and society we are building, and who the leaders are capable of ensuring a framework guided not by money and positions, but by values and integrity. "Any difficulty is surmountable if there is a willingness to traverse the path together. Everything is manageable through unity," he stated.