“If we do not stand up now, we are putting future generations of Armenians at risk”: Ruben Vardanyan’s Son Calls for Action

Today, the Council of States—the upper house of the Swiss Federal Assembly—adopted Motion No. 24.4259 titled "Peace Forum for Nagorno-Karabakh: Enabling the Return of Armenians." With 29 of its 46 members voting in favor, the Council endorsed the initiative urging Swiss authorities to establish a dedicated forum for dialogue between representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. The aim of this Swiss-led effort is to facilitate the safe, collective, and dignified return of the displaced Armenian population to their ancestral homeland. ...

In what can only be described as a tragicomic nadir of modern Armenian diplomacy, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has once again revealed the full extent of his political incompetence, strategic myopia, and astonishing readiness to capitulate—for no higher cause than the preservation of his own authority. His recent announcement, celebrating the conclusion of negotiations on a so-called “peace agreement” with Azerbaijan, should not be mistaken for a diplomatic achievement. It is, in fact, the clearest admission yet that Pashinyan has completely surrendered the Armenian national interest at the negotiating table. ...

During a phone call relayed through his family, Ruben Vardanyan sent two audio messages from a Baku prison: he requested that one be published today and the other on Sunday. He also stated that his next statement will only be made at the final court session — and only if representatives of the international community are present. ...

Pashinyan will depart from his office someday, but the damage he leaves behind for Armenia and Armenians will last for decades. That is why, the sooner he steps down, the better for Armenia. ...

“We are getting reports that Armenian government officials are not mentioning Armenian hostages or Artsakh in their meetings with U.S. officials. ...