Opinion
Raffi Hovannisian: An Open Letter to the Armenian Nation: Protocols and Preconditions
By Raffi K. Hovannisian
The history of the Armenian people has been an ordeal of suffering, tragedy, and genocide. In this millennial series of misfortunes, however, never has the nation invited destruction upon itself.
But today it stands at the brink, with a small group of improperly elected leaders apparently racing toward a forsaking of both identity and interest.
With the stroke of a pen, the Armenian president and his foreign minister have crossed the line of danger and dignity; i
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The so called protocols have been signed by Armenia under DURESS! Any agreement or dcocument signed under duress or coerce is unenforceable.
Armenian must file complaint in a forum that has proper jurisdiction on the case to declare the said agreement unlawful and unconstitutional thereby to set aside.
Raffi, where is your legal power?
Long Live Armenia and Armenians!
It’s all talk. Why does Raffi Hoavanissian, ARF or any other group that thinks and talks nothing but Genocide and occupied land. You think by chanting “we are victims of the first Genocide…” Turkey will turn around and say “here, take your lands.” Hardly any criminal admits to the crime charged. Why would Turkey? At some point you either take the matter to court (international court) or talk directly with the person, group or state that has committed the crime. I don’t hear anybody saying “lets take the matter to the International Court or let’s talk to Turkey and clarify what we want – as restitution, reparation etc. of the Genocide.” Since the individuals and the groups making the loudest protest against the protocols are not taking concrete steps to move towards a lasting solution, the matter of Genocide and occupied lands is just a religion. What would they do if some resolution was rendered? They will not have something grand to stand for or to struggle for. If you want the map of Armenia to look like what President Wilson drew, than pray you have enough arms, power and stamina to take it back by force. No one will give it back by chanting “recognize the Genocide”.
International court participation becomes more powerful after official recognition takes shape. This has been a long process against many odds. Why throw away what we have done already for some “historical commission” nonsense? Scholarship has clearly spoken at this time on this issue. This is a setback on those terms.
Artashes Bashmakian, your logic does not go too far. For example, today’s Armenia became independent free of charge. The time will come that justice will take Turkey in parts. Then, we should be around with an entitlement to control Western Armenia, if until then Armenia had not been so powerful that she has taken Western Armenia by force.
One thing is clear. All those parties who appeared in signing of those so called protocols have stakes in the upcomming deal between Armenia and Turkey. Why not take this opportunity and demand what we are entitle too.  Â
I have basic problem with this administration. They never call our liberated territorires as such. They call them security zone. I rarely hear them to make an statement that pertains to all Armenians, except Mr. Sarkisian’s address on last Saturday.
Furthermore, the core and objective of protocols is to kill the spirit of Diaspora because the real independent power of Armenians is located in Diaspora. The Republic of Armenia has no independent role. I do not believe Mr. Sarkisian when he claims that all of these inititives have been his. In fact I do not trust him anymore. If Mr. Sarkisina wants us to close our eyes and instead hear his claims that there are no preconditions in the protrocols, then how am I able to believe him about something that there is nothing in writing. For example, he still claims that he would be the last Armenian in the world that let Karabakh go. I have news for you. He has agreed everything we are hearing from enemy. The problem is that the Armenia herself is in danger as long as these people are in power. Armenians must change the system of government not only the president. Â
The real change must come from Diaspora because no matter who becomes the president must keep others happey.
Long Live Armenians and Armenia.Â