Arminfo.info


 Sunday, October 9 2022 21:32

We don`t have to choose between the US and Russia, or any other  country - David Babayan

We don`t have to choose between the US and Russia, or any other  country - David Babayan

ArmInfo. Foreign Minister of the Republic of Artsakh David Babayan completed a brief visit to the United States at the end of September, accompanied by Lernik Hovhannisyan, Artsakh Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, and Robert Avetisyan, Artsakh Permanent Representative to the United States and  Canada. During the visit, Babayan visited Washington, D.C. and Los  Angeles, The Armenian Mirror Spectator reports.

Speaking before his return to Artsakh, he said that though some time  was necessary to understand the long- term outcomes of the trip, "in  general, the results are already really positive. We met with local  Armenian compatriots and diasporan organizations. You know that the  Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity is at the heart of our  state-building process and foreign policy. Within this context, it  was a very important visit because we cemented our ties further and  we think that such contacts are very important, especially taking  into consideration the role of the Armenian-American community in the  development of Artsakh and Armenia, and its active role in defending  our national interests in the US and globally." 

In addition to meeting American-Armenians, he said, "The second layer  of the trip was relations with and interactions with US political,  public and analytical circles. We consider this to be very expedient  because we have to understand the current reality and see the reality  as it is, not to look at it with rose-colored spectacles. We need to  know what to expect, what to anticipate." 

While Babayan was unwilling to reveal any specifics, proclaiming his  slogan to be "Be quiet, work more," he did say that the trip allowed  explaining the Artsakh position to American circles and pointing out  the destructive policy of Turkey. He said, "We also got a general  impression, and to some extent even precise data - a picture of  possible developments.meetings gave us answers to many, many  questions." 

When asked how he interpreted the recent indications of greater US  involvement in the Caucasus, he replied: "Every great country has a  role to play in the region, and they are playing it actually. But  here I would like to underline one crucial point. We don't have to  choose between the US and Russia, or any other country. We don't have  to develop relations with one of them at the expense of the other. It  would be a catastrophe for us, not only geopolitical but internal.  Look, we are a diasporic people. More Armenians live outside our  historic lands than inside." 

He continued that with such large Armenian communities in many  countries, we do not want to cause problems for any of them, and  Armenians must maintain unity. He said, "There are only two people  who can afford to keep normal, very close fraternal relations with  many countries which even have problems with each other. They are the  Armenian and Jewish peoples. If we don't do this, it means that we  lack either professionalism or patriotism. We should be very, very  wise here not to become a battlefield of great powers, because we do  not have the resources to even survive in this case."

Aside from maintaining close relations with these countries, he  suggested that there must be some geopolitical "specialization" in  the region. He explained: "For example, we can't envisage the future  of Artsakh without Russian peacekeepers because they are the only  component which can maintain relative peace and stability in the  region and somehow contain Azerbaijan. This is the reality. If there  are no Russian peacekeepers there will be no Artsakh. Consequently,  anybody who is against Russia on the Armenian side, saying bad things  about Russia, is actually doing the same thing against Artsakh and  Armenia." 

Similarly, he said that Artsakh would envision strong US involvement  through the containment of Turkey.  He said, "There is only one  country in the world that can still contain Turkey by political  means, and that is the United States. This window of opportunity is  narrowing at a really rapid pace. In 2-3 years, Turkey will be an  independent geopolitical player." He compared Turkey with Hitler's  Germany, tricking both the West and the Soviets, and turning into a  major world danger.   

Babayan added that those who consider Russia at fault in the 2020 war  for not saving the Armenians were wrong and were giving the wrong  signals to the Russians. He said, "Who is going to suffer from that?  I don't think that the Azerbaijanis or Turks will suffer. We have to  be really wise. Our country is entering maybe the most difficult  period of its history. I don't think that we have the right or luxury  to target any country." 

He concluded that in any case, "In the 2020 war, we were not defeated  by Turks and Azerbaijanis. We were defeated by ourselves." 

In connection with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent  statements that it might be possible to have a peace treaty between  Armenia and Azerbaijan not dealing with Artsakh, he declared, "We are  not against any peace treaties, whether between Armenia and  Azerbaijan, or Armenia and Turkey. Who can be against peace treaties?  The problem is the price of such peace treaties. We think there could  not be any peace treaty at the expense of recognizing Artsakh as part  of Azerbaijan, or a peace treaty with Turkey refuting the 1915  genocide. It will lead to catastrophe and we will lose our  statehood." 

He stressed, "Artsakh has no future in Azerbaijan. It has only one  future: destruction and genocide. After the destruction of Artsakh,  there will be no Armenia. Do not cherish any hope that it could  somehow guarantee security."

Babayan stressed that as a nation, not only military defense but a  correct foreign policy are necessary.  Meanwhile, he said, "We have  to be both realists and optimists at the same time, because this is  the basis for success. What we have to do now is to recover from this  devastating war, to construct houses and apartments for refugees and  internally displaced people, and to provide jobs. There are some very  large- scale projects taking place in Artsakh, and hundreds of houses  and apartments have already been constructed. The state adopted a  project to finish that in maybe two or three years. After that, the  social situation will somehow be stabilized. But we will also need to  conduct very profound economic reforms in order to accommodate to the  new situation." 

He said that the assistance of the entire Armenian nation, in Armenia  and diaspora, was needed for this effort. He  praised in particular  the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund as one of the most organized pan-  Armenian structures. Despite some criticisms of it and difficulties,  he said, "What we have to do is to make it very effective again, and  cement the three parts of the world organization,  Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora.

READ ALL COMMENTS

Левон
Очень взвешенная точка зрения, призыв проявлять мудрость, не идти напролом. Конечно трудно представить себе арцахцев со склоненной головой. Также трудно представить продолжение длящегося годами противостояния. Однако, как мне кажется, есть лазейка к миру. А это - отказаться слова миацум, не дразнить монгольскую кровь, и придумать статус признанного самостоятельного образования под мандатом России. Не торопить события сначала договоры между метрополоями. Что скажут на это посвященные

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
A march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in YerevanA march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in Yerevan
A leader without trust, an opposition without support and peace  without concessions:  Nikol Pashinyan`s 7 years in powerA leader without trust, an opposition without support and peace  without concessions:  Nikol Pashinyan`s 7 years in power
Armenian Cathedral of Ani to function as a mosque after restorationArmenian Cathedral of Ani to function as a mosque after restoration
IDBank issues the 3rd, 4th and 5th tranches of bonds of 2025IDBank issues the 3rd, 4th and 5th tranches of bonds of 2025
Christian Solidarity International urges UN Human Rights Council to  appoint a special rapporteur for Nagorno-KarabakhChristian Solidarity International urges UN Human Rights Council to  appoint a special rapporteur for Nagorno-Karabakh
Armenia`s public multiplex  should not be used to serve foreign  policy agendas - StatementArmenia`s public multiplex  should not be used to serve foreign  policy agendas - Statement
Lawyer: the next part of Marlezon Ballet being staged in parliamentLawyer: the next part of Marlezon Ballet being staged in parliament
Alen Simonyan believes that Catholicos of All Armenians will soon  vacate Patriarchal throneAlen Simonyan believes that Catholicos of All Armenians will soon  vacate Patriarchal throne
Armenian Court of Appeal upholds Samvel Karapetyan`s arrestArmenian Court of Appeal upholds Samvel Karapetyan`s arrest
Lindsay Snell calls for support of  ANCA initiative to launch a  bipartisan Congressional letter in defense of Artsakh Armenians Lindsay Snell calls for support of  ANCA initiative to launch a  bipartisan Congressional letter in defense of Artsakh Armenians 
According to recording, <Tashir Samvel> was supposed to join later,  and Bagrat Galstanyan speaks about this: RA NA Speaker According to recording, was supposed to join later,  and Bagrat Galstanyan speaks about this: RA NA Speaker 
Levon Kocharyan is not a political figure: Alen Simonyan does not  comment on his remarksLevon Kocharyan is not a political figure: Alen Simonyan does not  comment on his remarks
Taguhi Tovmasyan to RA Prosecutor General: Maybe you haven`t received   SMS, and there is no political expediency in punishing Civil  Contract`s favorite businessman ?Taguhi Tovmasyan to RA Prosecutor General: Maybe you haven`t received   SMS, and there is no political expediency in punishing Civil  Contract`s favorite businessman ?
French Arnouville adopts resolution condemning unfair expulsion of   ICRC from AzerbaijanFrench Arnouville adopts resolution condemning unfair expulsion of   ICRC from Azerbaijan
Gegham Stepanyan: Artsakh art historians have no legal issues in  Armenia, difficulties exist only in practical fieldGegham Stepanyan: Artsakh art historians have no legal issues in  Armenia, difficulties exist only in practical field
All conversations and a fragment of the recording with Archbishop  Bagrat Galstanyan are manipulative - ARFAll conversations and a fragment of the recording with Archbishop  Bagrat Galstanyan are manipulative - ARF
Azerbaijan holding 17th ECO summit in occupied StepanakertAzerbaijan holding 17th ECO summit in occupied Stepanakert
Vahagn Chakhalyan detained Vahagn Chakhalyan detained 
RA Prosecutor General personally submitted report on Samvel  Karapetyan, which is evidence of political persecution - lawyer RA Prosecutor General personally submitted report on Samvel  Karapetyan, which is evidence of political persecution - lawyer 
Azerbaijani regime continues crackdown on journalists Azerbaijani regime continues crackdown on journalists 
RA FM holds farewell meeting with Swedish ambassador to Armenia RA FM holds farewell meeting with Swedish ambassador to Armenia 
Transport movement to be stopped in some of Yerevan`s neighborhoods  on July 4 and 5 Transport movement to be stopped in some of Yerevan`s neighborhoods  on July 4 and 5 
Cultural return must be cause of return to Artsakh - ex-minister of  culture Cultural return must be cause of return to Artsakh - ex-minister of  culture 
`Armenia`s ruling force staging performance against me` - Seyran  Ohanyan `Armenia`s ruling force staging performance against me` - Seyran  Ohanyan 
RA NA discussing consent to prosecution of MPs Seyran Ohanyan and  Artsvik Minasyan RA NA discussing consent to prosecution of MPs Seyran Ohanyan and  Artsvik Minasyan 
Yerevan hopes for strategic partnership with Washington Yerevan hopes for strategic partnership with Washington 
Pashinyan to Trump: `I highly appreciate your vision for ending  conflicts and establishing peace in the world`Pashinyan to Trump: `I highly appreciate your vision for ending  conflicts and establishing peace in the world`
Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan demands apology from  pro-government MPsRussian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan demands apology from  pro-government MPs
Armenia needs mechanisms to prevent one-man rule - expert Armenia needs mechanisms to prevent one-man rule - expert 
Armenia`s ex-premier raises voice in defense of Russian-Armenian  businessman Samvel Karapetyan Armenia`s ex-premier raises voice in defense of Russian-Armenian  businessman Samvel Karapetyan 
Armenia appreciates US support for peace efforts in South Caucasus -  RA vice-premier Armenia appreciates US support for peace efforts in South Caucasus -  RA vice-premier 
Armenian authorities actions killing businesses - UAR president Armenian authorities actions killing businesses - UAR president 
Current authorities` actions in  the energy sector demonstrate a consistent and systematic anti-national strategy: David AnanyanCurrent authorities` actions in  the energy sector demonstrate a consistent and systematic anti-national strategy: David Ananyan
Ottawa to continue its support to Yerevan: AmbassadorOttawa to continue its support to Yerevan: Ambassador
If the border crossing  between Armenia and Turkey is to be renamed,  it should be in honor of Hrant Dink:  International Institute for  Genocide and Human Rights If the border crossing  between Armenia and Turkey is to be renamed,  it should be in honor of Hrant Dink:  International Institute for  Genocide and Human Rights 
Armenia`s National Assembly  adopted statement on  inadmissibility of  state power seizureArmenia`s National Assembly  adopted statement on  inadmissibility of  state power seizure
Even while in custody, Samvel Karapetyan  is a thousand times more  liberated than  Armenian authorities:  son of Tashir State  Corporation`s head Even while in custody, Samvel Karapetyan  is a thousand times more  liberated than  Armenian authorities:  son of Tashir State  Corporation`s head 
Mikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers file an appeal against the decision to arrestMikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers file an appeal against the decision to arrest
Armenia, Vienna discuss ways to enhance cooperation in migrationArmenia, Vienna discuss ways to enhance cooperation in migration
Mirzoyan: Armenia seeks to strengthen ties with China without any  limitationsMirzoyan: Armenia seeks to strengthen ties with China without any  limitations
Armenian-Belgian consultations between Foreign Ministries of Armenia  and Belgium  held in YerevanArmenian-Belgian consultations between Foreign Ministries of Armenia  and Belgium  held in Yerevan
Armenia willing to join SCOArmenia willing to join SCO
Less than 10,000 out of approximately 150,000 internally displaced  persons  from Nagorno-Karabakh received citizenship  of ArmeniaLess than 10,000 out of approximately 150,000 internally displaced  persons  from Nagorno-Karabakh received citizenship  of Armenia
RA Minister of Justice announces creation of self-regulatory body in   media RA Minister of Justice announces creation of self-regulatory body in   media 
Pashinyan receives Ambassador of Sweden, who is concluding his  diplomatic mission in ArmeniaPashinyan receives Ambassador of Sweden, who is concluding his  diplomatic mission in Armenia
Results of meeting of Constitutional Reforms Council to underlie  ideology of new Constitution Results of meeting of Constitutional Reforms Council to underlie  ideology of new Constitution 
Financial assistance programme for some forcibly displaced  Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to be continued until end of 2025 Financial assistance programme for some forcibly displaced  Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to be continued until end of 2025 
Armenian law-enforcers confiscate over 7kg of marijuana Armenian law-enforcers confiscate over 7kg of marijuana 
Ardshinbank summed up the raffle organized for Mastercard Business cardholdersArdshinbank summed up the raffle organized for Mastercard Business cardholders
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to allocate  $9.6mln to Armenia Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to allocate  $9.6mln to Armenia 
Armenia modifies order of compensations under ECHR judgments Armenia modifies order of compensations under ECHR judgments 
No one can deal with issue of Ruben Vardanyan`s release - Andrey  MovchanNo one can deal with issue of Ruben Vardanyan`s release - Andrey  Movchan
Armenia`s premier demands early election of Catholicos of All  Armenians Armenia`s premier demands early election of Catholicos of All  Armenians 
Checkpoint on Turkish-Armenian border  could be renamed Talaat Pasha  Border CrossingCheckpoint on Turkish-Armenian border  could be renamed Talaat Pasha  Border Crossing
Sargis Khandanyan elected Chair of General Committee on Democracy,  Human Rights and Humanitarian QuestionsSargis Khandanyan elected Chair of General Committee on Democracy,  Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions
Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders to meet in Dubai later in JulyAzerbaijani and Armenian leaders to meet in Dubai later in July
Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers filed petition with  prosecutor`s office to terminate  criminal prosecutionArchbishop Mikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers filed petition with  prosecutor`s office to terminate  criminal prosecution
Russians in Azerbaijan reported cases of physical violence against  them Russians in Azerbaijan reported cases of physical violence against  them 
Deterioration of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia should be  considered in the format of a geopolitical matryoshka - political  scientistDeterioration of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia should be  considered in the format of a geopolitical matryoshka - political  scientist
Moscow: Russia is sincerely interested in stability in fraternal  Armenia, as it is beneficial to usMoscow: Russia is sincerely interested in stability in fraternal  Armenia, as it is beneficial to us
Read more



Commented