Ruben Vardanyan: аfter losing Artsakh, we risk losing Armenia in the coming years

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ruben Vardanyan issued a message after suspending his hunger strike:

“Today marks the 23rd day of my hunger strike. I am in good health. Please do not worry; everything is fine. I am fully aware of my actions and their purpose, and I deeply appreciate everyone's support and concern.

I wish to address all of you and ask that, regardless of your feelings toward me, you listen to my message. I intend to keep it brief and clear. I deliberately refrain from mentioning any names, as I do not wish to draw attention to individuals.

When I initiated this hunger strike, I had several objectives: to demonstrate that this is not a legitimate trial but a farce; to highlight that it is not just me on trial, but all Armenians and the state itself; and to shed light on the sacrifices endured by those who wished to remain and live here in Artsakh, rather than leave.

I am reminded of the Russian folktale about a choice at a crossroads: losing one's horse—the homeland, losing honor—the sword, or losing life itself. The hero must choose, for remaining stationary ensures certain death. This difficult choice has faced everyone, including those who once lived in Artsakh, throughout the events of the past and over millennia.

Today's court session vividly illustrates what could have happened if the people of Artsakh had stayed home and the price they would have paid. Yesterday, during the trial, two Armenians from Artsakh, residing in Stepanakert, testified against me, asserting various incorrect claims. They had never met me, were in a terrible state themselves, yet appeared in court. I felt deep pity for them.

Everyone bears the consequences of their actions. The case of the Armenian previously arrested in a Red Cross vehicle and sentenced to fifteen years, along with these two individuals, serves as a stark warning: living peacefully at home was not an option. Anyone could have found themselves in the position of those witnesses or been accused of heinous crimes, regardless of guilt or innocence.

I must note the significance of the former president testifying here today, while the legitimate president of Artsakh is in Armenia. This greatly impacts the situation and the weight of the former president's words.

I am appalled by the profound animosity the current Armenian leadership harbors toward the people of Artsakh. I am grateful I thwarted their plan, which they promoted and assisted some Artsakh leaders, both current and former, in executing. They aimed to claim: "Your sons died because of them. You accuse us, but they betrayed you and will now live happily, while you bear the grief of loss."

To those who desired this outcome and acted accordingly in Armenia and Artsakh, and to those who now question why we did not fight to the end but left, I say: you failed to destroy the dignity and honor of ordinary Armenians—not just those from Artsakh, but all Armenians.

For your information, during the recent military operation, the officially recognized casualties on the opposing side were four times higher than their losses during the same period in the 44-Day War. Eternal memory to all who died for their homeland.

I have decided, on this 23rd day, to suspend my hunger strike for many reasons, and I ask all who joined me to do the same. I believe the recent court session vividly demonstrated the fate that could have awaited you had you stayed, and the price you would have paid to live in your home, on your land. Additionally, it has shown that this is not a trial but a farce. The continued denial of my legal rights, including the consideration of my petitions and demands, indicates that this spectacle persists, irrespective of legality.

A recent statement by an official representative revealed that it is not just fifteen individuals plus one on trial, but the leadership of Armenia and the state as a whole, encompassing any Armenian, regardless of origin, even those not from Armenia.

One final, crucial point: those who threaten you with another military conflict are deceiving you. Today, there are numerous ways to lose sovereignty without military conquest. War persists, but now nations can be subdued without a single shot, through technology, financial means, economic dependence, infrastructure control, information dominance, and political warfare. If you continue to live under the illusion that everything will resolve and you can peacefully earn a living and find happiness, know this: it is self-deception.

After losing Artsakh, we risk losing Armenia in the coming years if we do not fundamentally change our attitudes toward concepts like the elite, power, the state, and leadership. Reflect on this before it is too late. Remember, as in the Armenian folktale, Kach Nazars (Nazar the Brave and his ilk) were chosen as kings by the people; it is our decision, not his. I am confident that our nation possesses the resilience to overcome this crisis, as we have many times in our long history, and we will not merely survive but live with dignity in our homeland. Recall that only the living can swim against the current.

I embrace you all! Together with you, one of your ordinary Armenians,