This is the English translation of a Turkish language article that was originally published by AVİM on 15 April 2024. 

We are frequently coming across articles in which non-state structures or criminal organizations are giving advice to states. This conduct has been observed especially after the Karabakh War in 2020. The first instance of such conduct was the open letter of Vazgen Petrosyan (Representative of the Armenian National Movement, which is the political wing of ASALA) to Nikol Pashinyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, David Tonoyan and Onik Gasparyan.[1]

Currently, in 28 March 2024, the Armenian Revolutionary Army – ARF, better known as the Dashnaks, have openly published a written declaration, expressing their discomfort that Nikol Pashinyan and his administration have once again stated during recent weeks their readiness for a unilateral concession. They wrote that the “concession” has raised eyebrows Armenia and the Armenian diaspora (generalized as Dashnaks/all Armenians supporting the ARF). Actually, at this point, the ARF is probably the only remaining party that still finds the rhetoric of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan surprising. In fact, Pashinyan had previously made even more “surprising statements.” The declaration stated that the Tavush province will be next, and that as a result of the policies of the current government of the Republic of Armenia, strategically important regions were “handed over to the enemy” and this situation was seen as a cause of "serious" security threats.

In addition, the declaration stated that the surrender of Karabakh was only the beginning and that the Armenian government was now turning a blind eye towards Karabakh. This statement clearly denies Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh and even blames Armenia for it. Considering that the so-called state in Karabakh is not recognized by any member state of the United Nations, including Armenia, the declaration states that “the state bodies elected by the people of Artsakh have exclusive authority to promote and pursue the rights of Artsakh[2].” This statement has no validity whatsoever. These bodies have never had any legitimacy.

In our previous articles on Armenians migrating from Karabakh to Armenia, we argued that the migration from Karabakh to Armenia was encouraged by Armenia and that there were other agendas behind it. We stated that Karabakh Armenians would consider returning to Karabakh and that they actually demonstrated that they did not give up Karabakh[3]. The ARF’s declaration in question indicates that there is a grain of truth in what we discussed. The declaration says that the status of the so-called state in Karabakh and the right of mass return of Karabakh Armenians are on the agenda of the Armenian people (it is inaccurate to refer to the Dashnaks as the entire Armenian people). The declaration states that without the resolution of these issues, it is impossible to achieve an honorable and real peace.  

It also states that the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun has repeatedly warned of the dangers and threats coming from the "enemies" of the so-called state in Armenia and Karabakh, to which the government of the Republic of Armenia has consciously and faithfully surrendered. The term "enemies" is particularly emphasized in relation to the Armenians of Armenia. Establishing peace and living a dignified life depends on the peoples of the region not seeing each other as "enemies". One of the most important examples of this is Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's constructive and peaceful statements towards the Armenians in Karabakh[4]. It should not be forgotten that Azerbaijan regained its own territory that was occupied by Armenia. An honorable peace comes with an honorable acceptance of defeat.

In the declaration, Pashinyan is clearly targeted and it is emphasized that they have a single agenda: “It is necessary to put an end to the policy of fighting against national values and structures and to focus on strengthening and increasing the combat capability of the Armenian army. We are convinced that the consolidation of all healthy national forces in Armenia and the Diaspora is an urgent necessity.” This was described as “the salvation of Armenian statehood.”

There has never been a state in history that has been “scolded” by a minority in the “Diaspora” and shaped its policies afterwards. Armenia’s emergence as a democratic country in the South Caucasus undoubtedly disturbs the Armenian Diaspora the most. If there is an electorate uncomfortable with Prime Minister Pashinyan’s decisions, this can be determined through democratic methods. The fact that a militant group in the Diaspora is discussing other methods of persuasion brings “terrorism” to mind, which is far from the concepts of “peace” and “living with dignity.” It is obvious that this is not a situation befitting any honorable nation.

*Photograph: https://en.vestikavkaza.ru/analysis/What-kind-of-deal-is-Pashinyan-willing-to-make-with-Dashnaktsutyun.html.