If One Day You Hear That Your Village is in Azerbaijani Territory, Don’t Worry: Serzh Sargsyan

In his speech at the anniversary session dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Republican Party of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan stated:

“Geopolitical developments, the horrific wars occurring around us, and the uncompromising struggle of nations against imposed foreign values once again demonstrate that the national is universal, conservatism is modern, and the creation is reality. This is an eternal struggle where only those who lose remain as a nation and state that is merely mentioned in history textbooks. Hidden behind the veil of peace, our party's Executive Body has officially expressed its position regarding the agreement that has now turned from a suspect negotiation into a 'document'—a public declaration has been made. There is no need to repeat it. I only want to add that both parts of the phrase 'peace agreement' are, to put it mildly, debatable, misleading, and far from reality. Let us not forget that an agreement must have at least two sides, while today only one side is evident—Azerbaijan, which is openly dictating its terms from a dominant position. It is clear that even in this situation, there are substantial diplomatic justifications for protecting the interests of the Armenian side. The justifications exist, but there is no one to defend them. It is obvious that this process is not about 'peace' but rather a continuation of a hybrid war waged against Armenia.

It is also clear that as a result of a change in leadership, it is still possible to alter the situation through new negotiations and internationally respected mediators. The negotiation process must return to the state’s foreign policy agenda, and the actions of the current administration should also receive an appropriate legal assessment. Just days ago, the Republican Party of Armenia responded to the latest comments from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, reaffirming its position that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved, no matter how the capitulator government presents it in harmony with Azerbaijan. This is nothing less than a blatant policy of ceding Artsakh at a state level.

Today, the rulers of Armenia are trying to convince us that the loss of Artsakh is the price of 'peace.' This is a brilliant example of deception. If there were a competition for lying, this government would become a world champion: they promised peace, and we got war; they promised prosperity, and we got emigration; they promised to protect Artsakh, and they surrendered Artsakh. After all this, they still manage to look us in the eye and claim that everything is being done right, that they are progressing according to their plan. One might ask, according to which plan? The plan of national disaster? Of course, this plan is being executed 100%. But that’s nothing; the important thing is, so to speak, 'peace.'

Rest assured, dear compatriots, as long as the authorities decide 'for the sake of peace,' that your home is also a subject of border disputes. If one day you hear that your village is in Azerbaijani territory, don’t worry. That is simply another 'success' of this 'peace-loving' government. By scaring people with war, trading with the enemy who considers our country as its own, and justifying yet another betrayal with false promises of opening roads and enhancing prosperity. I do not believe that in these circumstances, economic ties and trade are guarantees of peaceful coexistence. Only those who are unfamiliar with the history of humanity and the current global situation can think that way. For example, the United Kingdom left the EU, disregarding economic interests and potential losses. In the very same United Kingdom, the push for Scottish independence is strong, despite the economic ties with London. Within Belgium, Flanders has strong separatist tendencies, although it is factually in the heart of the EU. Or let's consider the growing tension between the US and China, even though that duo is the global economic leader and the most interconnected. I leave the conclusions to our people.”