If someone is apparently an Armenian and has come to Yerevan as if to express the opinion of the “pro-Armenian” part of the Russian elite, then, I suppose, he shouldn’t repeat the ridiculous lie of Azeri propaganda that Lachin was liberated by Russian forces. However, political scientist Sergei Kurginyan did that, contradicting his high status of a scientist. In 1992, several countries of the world, including Mr. Kurginyan’s “enemy,” the United States, had an opportunity to find out the truth – even from the satellite – and if any Russian unit had participated in the Karabakh War, those countries, I am sure, wouldn’t have kept silent. As a journalist who covered this war, I can assure you that during my business trips, I didn’t meet any Russian soldier. On the contrary, when “Azeri” tanks invaded Shahumyan Region, many residents who had fled to Haterk through the woods would tell me that those tanks were not steered by Azeris at all.
Sergey Kurginyan certainly is a smart man; it was interesting to listen to him, although, frankly speaking, he didn’t make an impression of a mastermind. I am also sure that he is Putin’s “special envoy,” who has come to convey certain messages to Armenia’s leadership. As far as I know, such messages are not conveyed through press conferences. It is a different matter that he expresses the opinion of some imperialistic Russian circles. That opinion should be taken into account, not considering it to be the only opinion among our friendly country’s elite and, most importantly, not taking that opinion – in this case, basically threats – as the basis for our own attitude.
It seems to me that the starting point should be that no country around the world is interested in our state’s stabilization. And in that sense, we are not unique: every state should know which side its bread is buttered. Taking this into account, one should cooperate with every state as closely as possible, paying an appropriate price for that – not more and not less. The worst thing is to assume that we are required to make some additional payment. We are absolutely not compelled to copy Russia’s extremely corrupted and highly authoritarian system or open Russian schools. Who does it in Armenia is guided by his own interests. No one forces us to join the nonexistent Eurasian Union or the Customs Union. Let us think calmly, without “brotherly” emotions, whether it is to our state’s advantage or disadvantage.
On the other hand, no one makes us register same-sex marriages. Who presents such a prospect just tries to deceive society and create a false image of Europe. Blind worship or blind hatred toward any country, any pole, or even any value is a manifestation of the same provincialism.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
