The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic celebrated its 30th anniversary yesterday. The celebration was not so lavish, first of all, probably because we can not boast that in these three decades we have strengthened Artsakh and made it invincible to the enemy. In the events organized in Stepanakert, the Republic of Armenia was represented by “second echelon” officials and deputies led by the NA Deputy Speaker. One can assume that the Armenian government, guided by the “peace agenda,” does not want to inflame additional passions in Azerbaijan with its over-stressed presence in Stepanakert. (I put the phrase “peace agenda” in quotation marks, as a real agenda can only be implemented if the other side so wishes). It is also possible that there is a certain agreement with the Azerbaijani side on the visit of high-ranking officials through the mediation of Russian peacekeepers.
Besides, there is also the moral side of the problem. If the leader of the defeated country goes to Artsakh and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the republic that was reduced by 70% and survives exclusively due to Russian peacekeepers, it will be considered at least unnatural. Gone are the days when the Prime Minister announced at the Stepanakert rally about Armenia’s geopolitical goals for 2050, and at the end added: “I am sure many of you are now asking why nothing is said about Artsakh. The answer is very simple, because Artsakh is Armenia, that’s all.” Pashinyan said such a thing at the August 5, 2019 rally in Artsakh’s capital. Speaking in such tones today at least brings a sad smile.
Of course, in order to be consistent until the end, such speeches should not be made on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. But I am sure that speeches will be made here in Yerevan on September 21. Mainly about the fact that our children are happy to live in Armenia, but for now that perfect happiness is hindered by some “dark forces.” This is a favorite internal agenda of our authorities and their electorate, which has not yet been exhausted. The recent elections have shown that with that agenda, they were able to forget what happened to Artsakh. And as long as that is the case, the situation in Armenia and Artsakh will remain the same on the most important issues.
Aram Abrahamyan
