Vardan Ghukasyan Ready to Assume the Position of Gyumri Mayor

Vardan Ghukasyan's office has issued a statement: "In response to the warm congratulations you have sent us in recent days, we reaffirm that the first addressees of these messages are you, the collective honor of Gyumri, which has never diminished, and then us—the four opposition teams who have earned our share of recognition.

Please do not forget that this collective victory would have been simply impossible without your fairness, dignity, and resilience—qualities that characterize the Armenians living with a spirit of Hyke.

As is well known, our strong victory would have again been impossible if the opposition teams had not succeeded in uniting around the main objective, overcoming personal agendas and secondary disagreements regarding national issues.

Accordingly, we extend our gratitude to the three notable forces for entrusting their elected authority to the experienced governance of Vardan Ghukasyan. Once again, we emphasize that since the day of his nomination, Mr. Ghukasyan has been fully aware of the heavy burden of his commitment and the level of responsibility he is taking on for the fifth time.

We call upon certain groups to refrain from presenting predictions of 'sharing the power' in his future management or the risks of his imprisonment as new and absolute forecasts—considering all of them as weaknesses. It should be understood that ultimately, the one who could be imprisoned is Vardan Ghukasyan himself, who has not been deterred from preventing the Turkification of his homeland, and the approximately 10,000 residents of Gyumri who trust him in this endeavor.

Knowing that under the present authorities in Armenia, any citizen can be imprisoned at any moment, defending doctoral theses on vulnerability becomes pointless, as it is widespread in nature.

As you may have noticed, we did not refer to the pro-government MPs or spokespeople from Gyumri who have no relation to the city because we have already discussed the Turks above. We pity them for their self-deprecating fiery statements, and we condemn one of them for the disgraceful words directed at the Shirak Diocese leader; we urge them to learn from the divine punishment suffered by their former teammate.

Last but not least, Vardan Ghukasyan's citation from St. Grigor Tatevatsi’s 'Book of Questions' regarding the condemnation of women’s indecent attire was noteworthy. We urge all organizations spreading condemnatory statements about this citation to either reconsider their Christian beliefs or strengthen them and perhaps start reading Tatevatsi.

In conclusion, dear Armenians, Vardan Ghukasyan has taken an exemplary and courageous step, putting himself at considerable risk, armed solely with the truth. Enjoying the unconditional support of all six opposition forces, he is more than ready to assume the mayoral position with his former enthusiasm and bring to life his rich electoral programs, restoring Gyumri's former carefreeness and splendor.

We assure you that the Gyumri City Council, resembling the German Bundestag, and its elected mayor will be the best example of effective, collaborative, and checks-and-balances governance in the eyes of all of Armenia and will encourage the broad adoption of this model in our country. Therefore, staying true to the patriarchal exhortation of Catholicos Nerses the Great—In primary matters, unity; In secondary matters, tolerance; And in all things, love…"