Leader of the Republic party Aram Sargsyan stated on Facebook that the only way to avoid war, strengthen the state, and build a modern army and industry is for Armenia to align with the developing world that shares its civilizational values.

"We have shown that we are not Russia’s partner, that our goal is not to remain under Russia and Iran’s influence, but rather to break free and move toward the European Union," he wrote.

According to Sargsyan, defending the country’s sovereignty requires determination.

"A bee, no matter how small it is, attacks and stings when someone approaches its hive, while these people [Armenian authorities] run away immediately. You can't defend your homeland like that. To protect your country, you have to fight—if you fight, help will come," his post reads.

He stressed that preserving independence requires readiness to defend the homeland.

"If you want independence, you must be ready to defend your homeland.

Economic development, industrialization, and Western investments are what will bring real security," Sargsyan added.

On February 12, the Armenian Parliament approved, in the first reading, a bill initiating the process of EU membership. On January 9, the Armenian government endorsed the proposal submitted by the Eurovote civil initiative to begin the accession process, which will soon be discussed in Parliament.