There Are Things Between the Authorities of Armenia and Artsakh That We Do Not Know: Ruben Vardanyan

Ruben Vardanyan, the former State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, stated today on Radio Aurora's live broadcast that there are issues between the authorities of Armenia and Artsakh that we are not aware of. However, he expressed his inability to accept the approach that the relations between Armenia and Artsakh have been used to instill in people the notion that Artsakh is a headache.

In response to whether the leaders of our two republics are prepared for a prolonged struggle, Vardanyan noted, "Unfortunately, you are right. It was unacceptable to me what started in Armenia recently when, for example, one TV channel completely omitted the word Artsakh and referred to it as Nagorno-Karabakh, not even mentioning the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Or when they said that Mount Ararat does not belong to us, and we have no right to bear it on our crest; when it was said that all Armenian women are unfortunate, and all men are deserters; or when they assert that Artsakh is a headache—Artsakh will become Glendale and Javakhk.

Sadly, today's ruling force is taking very dangerous thoughts, ideas, and steps that not only cause indifference in people but also lead us to lose our national values. This is very dangerous and needs to be halted because we can lose; life is a chain of successes and failures, but we must not allow our national dignity and principles to be trampled upon.

He believes that the fact of being in Artsakh allows him to give strict assessments and express a direct stance on the relationship between Armenia and Artsakh. "On the other hand, there are things on their end that we do not know. Still, I do not understand or accept the approach that the relations between Armenia and Artsakh have been used to instill in people the notion that Artsakh is a headache or that Artsakh is not ours. Unfortunately, this has been done, seemingly with understanding. I do not see that the current government of Armenia realizes its responsibility towards the entire nation; yes, they were elected in Armenia, but they are responsible to the 10 million Armenians around the world. The Armenian state, Armenian mindset, and being Armenian are very important, which is now being delicately and systematically dismantled in all directions.

Addressing the question regarding the policies of past and present authorities toward the Artsakh issue, Vardanyan compared the current situation of besieged Artsakh to the Battle of Sardarapat and emphasized that we must fight on all fronts to win this battle before addressing other issues. "I have always said that we are losing one of the last Armenian grounds; there should be no looking back. Today, we will either save or lose Artsakh; when you are under siege, every step must be considered. If it helps, it must be done; if not, it should be rejected. In this trench, both the prosecutor and the prisoner are in the same trench; that is, both the former and current leaders are in the same trench. In besieged Artsakh, maybe about 10-20 people can escape in some way; but 120,000 of us are in the same boat," he said, adding, "If previously the Armenian government was the guarantor of Artsakh's security, it is now unclear what the relationship between the governments of Armenia and Artsakh is—whether they are partners or whether Armenia is a guarantor of Artsakh or just an advisor. This semi-ambiguity has led to serious problems; these are not sincere or clear relationships."