Denial of History, National Division: Armenia's Zero Point - Ara Aivazyan

Former Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazyan has published an article stating, "Everything that has happened and continues to occur is essentially a comprehensive process of 'neutralization.' The decision to start negotiations over Nagorno-Karabakh from 'zero point' was not a diplomatic move; it was a renunciation of the liberation struggle. By rejecting decades of diplomatic heritage and sacrifices, the populace was informed that the Artsakh struggle was either erroneous or mythical.

Similarly, today's policy towards Turkey is being defined from this 'zero point,' aiming to normalize relations with a state that not only denies the Armenian Genocide but has also publicly participated in the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh and welcomed the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage. There is talk of open borders, while the doors to justice are being closed. There are discussions of 'constructive' dialogue, silencing the memory of 1915.

And while history is being 'corrected' on the external front, dissent is being silenced internally. Arrests, censorship, intimidation, and persecution are justified under the pretext of 'preparing a coup.' But it is clear: the real danger that the current authorities fear is not violence, but dissent. It is not a 'coup' that is being prevented, but the last remnants of political pluralism in a country that is increasingly forced to speak solely in the official language imposed by the authorities.

These dangerous games - the so-called 'zero points' - are transforming into one overarching strategy. Now, it seems, not only Artsakh but the entire Armenian nation - with its history, memory, and dignity - is being sacrificed at this zero point.

Zero points have had various meanings for different nations. If New York's Zero Point became a symbol of collective memory and resistance, then the current zero point in Armenia is being constructed as a monument to historical denial, national division, and spiritual defeat.

Peace is only possible when it is built on the foundation of dignity. And dignity is impossible without memory. This is the only path that will guarantee the existence of a truly authentic Armenia, " wrote the former Armenian Foreign Minister.

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