Ruben Vardanyan: 'We Lack Intelligent Leaders'

Former Prime Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan addressed the nation on the occasion of the Republic Day, stating: “On May 28, we celebrate the birth of the First Republic, its 105th anniversary. But this day is also about reflecting on our past journey, the difficulties we've faced, and how we've overcome them. We built a state thanks to the May Heroic Battles. We fought against an enemy that often outnumbered us in forces and weaponry. We fought and forged our state. We fought because not fighting would have been catastrophic. We fought, setting aside our disagreements, uniting around the idea of having a state. This is precisely why I often repeat that the current situation is like Sardarapat – either we find the strength to fight together, or the consequences will be disastrous for all of us.

We are the heirs of those who built the First Republic. We are also the descendants of those who stood up and joined the struggle for Artsakh 35 years ago. Just like 105 years ago and 35 years ago, we must defend ourselves, and we must be able to defend ourselves not only at the borders but also in the diplomatic arena. We shun from assessing the situation, avoiding sober evaluations. We lack intelligent leaders who can ensure acceptable conditions or solutions in negotiations instead of fully succumbing to ultimatums, solutions rooted in the vital interests of our state and our people.

This day is also a day of evaluating the state and statehood. The state interest must prevail over the immediate interests of individuals, parties, and various teams. We must learn to look ahead 20, 50, or even 100 years and act with the logic of building a strong state.

Let me conclude my message with the words of Nzhdeh: 'Is it possible to exhaust the content of May 28 with words? No, no one will succeed in that. That sacred year will symbolize the homeland and its independence, a homeland that will live in the heart more than in the mind like God.'