Mesrop Arakelyan, the Co-Founder of the “Aprelu Yerkir” party (The “Country to Live”), says…
– “86.6 thousand square meters km also includes Nagorno-Karabakh. But it should also be noted that we say that the issue of the Armenians and the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh should be discussed in the Baku-Stepanakert format.” Nikol Pashinyan answered the question: Does the current government recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan? He also clarified the issues of delimitation, demarcation, and enclaves. Do you share the positions expressed by him? Where will they lead?
– Nikol Pashinyan’s statements cannot cause agreement among anyone aware of the recent history of Armenia, has read the Armenian constitution, and does not want to deny the decades-long struggle for our Armenian states. And I do not share those approaches at all, but even more, I demand that he back off from the road leading our country to the abyss. The dimensions of Azerbaijan’s aggression and ambitions for territory demand need no additional presentation. Even now, Pashinyan’s vain illusion, the “peace agenda,” is complemented by the narrative of having a “cadastre paper” of Armenia, which supposedly creates an unprecedented situation, recognizing the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including our territories. It is not only none- serious, but we have also reached the most dangerous. We cannot be so incompetent, this cannot be allowed, and we will not allow it.
The Armenian people of Armenia, Artsakh, and the world will not allow it. Such decisions cannot be made by the will and determination of one person due to his incompetence in the fight against coercion. Even if, in the current situation, the ruling power considers its proposals the only solution to the crisis as the only option for “bringing salvation to the motherland,” it must consider the society. They did not come to power to recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan or to cede the territories of Armenia; no one gave them such a mandate and authority. And before making such decisions, the people should be asked first. So, we have declared, and now I insist, that only through the referendum and only the referendum can we decide the issues related to the security of Armenia and Artsakh.
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Actually, the ball is in the opposition’s court. What should be the steps of the unified opposition?
– If you mean the former authorities, their actions only contribute to such a way of functioning of the government because the discussions on the country’s problems have remained within the field of mutual accusations for several years. And we have put at the basis of our activity the gathering of dedicated and responsible persons for the country to solve the problems more efficiently. We are confident that our people have the will and the potential to unite society to overcome this crisis phase dignifiedly.
“Aprelu erkir” issued a statement last week, expressing readiness to lead the opposition movement. What reactions followed? Are there any substantive steps? In some public responses, accusations were made against the party members. When many warned about impending dangers for five years, you were silent; moreover, you were Nikol Pashinyan’s teammates and comrades-in-arms.
– A little clarification: our goal is not to lead the opposition movement, but to lead the people, assuming responsibility before the state and the people. As for those reacting, it is natural because only the former authorities, against whom we also fought, can respond that way, and there will be no return to the past. Thanks to our struggle and leadership, the current situation will not continue either. After we come to power, they will either disappear from the political field or, in the best case, restart the struggle with the government operating in the opposition field.
Nelly GRIGORYAN
“Aravot” daily, 27.05.2023
