• “Our nation is in crisis. The self-determination of Artsakh is uncertain. Armenia’s territorial integrity and even independence are threatened. Our demands are faced with serious challenges.”
• “We see an urgent need for consultations and cooperation among the Armenian leaderships on issues, programs, and concerns that matter to the entire Armenian nation, and adopt decisions accordingly at the level of a National Council.”

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I

On the morning of Sunday, April 24, before a multitude of Armenians that marched from Bourj Hammoud to the Catholicosate, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered his patriarchal message outside the Holy Martyr’s Chapel. He began his address with the following statement:

“Our nation is in crisis. The self-determination of Artsakh is uncertain. Armenia’s territorial integrity and even independence are threatened. Our demands are faced with serious challenges.”

His Holiness said his statements were “not theoretical comments or emotional expressions of despair and pessimism, but they are realistic assessments dictated by the deeply disturbing state of Armenian life, about which we have no right to be indifferent and silent. It is now necessary to be alert and especially, unanimous, and to face with the utmost wisdom and vision the decisions and measures that are endangering the future of our homeland.”

The Catholicos summarized his thoughts and concerns in six points and made the following call for unity and caution to the whole Armenian nation:

“First, we need to unite around the superior ideals, interests, and values of our nation and our homeland, whatever the reasons that have distanced us from each other and the dangers surrounding us. The Armenian nation and Armenia are above everything, not just in words, but in deed and with absolute commitment. Indeed, it is not by repeating slogans and by treating each other with contempt that our rights can be defended, our homeland can be built, and our state can be strengthened. It is necessary to unite the entire people and its potential and put it to work in every sphere, on the internal and external fronts, in the face of the challenges surrounding us, and around visions for the future.

“Second, it is necessary to reject any proposal or agreement, coming from within or without, that may endanger Armenia’s independence. We know that current geopolitical conditions are not favorable to us. We agree with the establishment of comprehensive peace within the region, but not at the expense of Armenia’s security, territorial integrity, and independence; not by only making concessions or by negotiating from a position of weakness. We hope that Armenia’s strategic partner considers Armenia a steadfast and trustworthy ally in the region, based on mutual trust and close friendship. We also hope that this partner of Armenia and Armenia’s immediate neighbors realize that a mighty Azerbaijan faced with a feeble Armenia may evantually become a menace  for the entire region, tomorrow if not today. At the present stage, when Armenia is in a weak situation, it must be careful to sign any so-called peace agreement that may later become catastrophic for Armenia. Under all circumstances, we must stay away from defeatist approaches and from abandoning our rights. Armenia must resort to ways to strengthen itself now, as tomorrow may be too late. At the same time, it is vital for Armenia to always pursue an expansion of its strategic partners, naturally based on its national interests and geopolitical conditions. It is necessary that Armenia and the Diaspora, with varying emphasis, to adopt the same approaches and positions regarding the challenges and crisis Armenia is faced with.

“Third, we must have courage, and the people of Artsakh have this courage, to reject any proposal or agreement that may threaten the security of the Armenian people of Artsakh and that may call into question the right of the people of Artsakh to express their will freely. The will of the people is above all considerations. No one has the right to ignore the right to self-determination of people who live on their historic lands, which is clearly emphasized in the Declaration of Human Rights. Independence is an absolute value, and it cannot be negotiated. The people of Artsakh have already expressed their will in a legitimate way, and period. Do we realize that the loss of Artsakh’s independence would jeopardize Armenia’s security and also its independence? Hence, with robust unanimity, we must reject attempts to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty with the slogans of “concessions or war.” The people of Artsakh have the right to defend with absolute resolve the independence that it has established for thirty years by shedding blood. If at this critical juncture in our life we we must manifist strong political will and resolute diplomacy; otherwise Artsakh today and Armenia tomorrow may be headed to the abyss. Therefore, remain alert, stand firm, Armenians of Artsakh! We are with you!

“Fourth, there is talk again about the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations and some preliminary steps have been taken in this direction. The governments of Armenia and Turkey praise this development and western nations consider it  constructive initiative. We believe that we faithfully interpret the position of the sons and daughters of our nation who bear the blood of our martyrs by reminding that any step that may jeopardize the historical, legal, and political foundations of our demands is unacceptable for us. Let us watch around us. Close cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan is giving rise to a new pan-Turanism in the Caucasus as well as in the Arab world. Indeed, a dangerous development that may have unpredictable consequences for Armenia. If Armenia’s government pursues diplomatic relations with Turkey in hopes of seeing peace in the region and driven by economic interests, it needs to clearly define from the outset the nature and limits of its relations with Turkey, remaining true to the declaration of independence that forms the basis of the Armenia Constitution, as well as to the commitment of the state of Armenia, clearly emphasized in the 100th anniversary declaration regarding the terms of pursuit of justice for the Armenian people. In other words, the demand for justice for the Armenian people must have a permanent place on the agenda of Armenia.

“Fifth, our struggle for justice must gain new emphasis and scope, consistent with the geopolitical conditions and challenges of our present time. Turkey, using a wide range of state resources, continues its negationist policy in a more organized fashion, establishing departments of Turkish studies at Western universities, founding information centers that deny the Armenian genocide and other means. Therefore, it is necessary for Armenia’s government, the church, and the organizations that defend the Armenian cause, through a division of labor and cooperating harmoniously, to continue to pursue our demand for justice. This is a nationwide responsibility.

“Sixth, we have often reminded that we must stand united in the moments of crisis of our nation and homeland. Indeed, the status of Artsakh, the security of Armenia, as well as the relationship with Turkey, and in all matters that are of crucial importance for the whole Armenian people, Armenia’s government must feel compelled to make decisions through a collective process and the participation of the entire Armenian nation, in a joint effort by the leadership of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora. In this sphere, the role of the Diaspora, with its wealth of experience in politics and in building relationships, is essential. Hence, we consider the close cooperation among Diaspora organizations important and urgent. We repeat that our call for nationwide consultations to address proposals and challenges that matter to the entire Armenian nation, and to determine the required decisions, by way of a National Council is indispensable for the Armenian people. This is the safe way to ensure the prosperity and growth of our nation and homeland.”

At the conclusion of his message, His Holiness expressed his gratitude to every country that has recognized the Armenian Genocide, contrary to pressure and threats by Turkey, and reminded Turkey that “April 24 is a day to express our gratitude to all those who, despite the pressure and even threats by Turkey, have officially recognized the first genocide of the 20th century. April 24 is also a day to remind the new generation that they are called upon to keep alive the flame of the Armenian people’s demands for justice, as a sacred duty. April 24 is a day to remind especially Turkey that for 107 years the sons of daughters of the Armenian nation around the world have been demanding justice and will continue to do so with a renewed spirit and relentless resolve.”