Noubar Afeyan: Ruben Vardanyan's Arrest Deliberately Pressures 10 Million Armenians Psychologically

In an interview with CNN commentator Christiane Amanpour, Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Moderna, expressed grave concerns over the escalating crisis in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the recent arrest of philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan by Azerbaijani authorities. Afeyan's words carry the weight of a passionate advocate for justice, as he shed light on the plight of Armenians worldwide in the face of ongoing aggression.

The interview delved into the heartbreaking situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, where decades of relative peace and negotiation were shattered by Azerbaijan's aggressive military offensive, leading to the ethnic cleansing of indigenous Armenian people. Afeyan revealed that Azerbaijan's blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh's remaining territories and the subsequent military onslaught had devastating consequences, displacing tens of thousands and eroding the region's stability.

Afeyan's personal connection to the crisis was evident as he shared his family's history of displacement, rooted in the tragic events of the Armenian Genocide. His deep empathy for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh fueled his determination to raise awareness about their struggle for dignity and survival.

When Amanpour questioned Afeyan about the arrest of Ruben Vardanyan, he expressed deep pain and shock. Afeyan highlighted Vardanyan's significant role not only in Armenia but also on the global stage. Vardanyan, a successful businessman and philanthropist, had relocated to Nagorno-Karabakh to assist its residents and had even served as Minister of State, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the region's welfare. Despite his efforts to leave with others when Azerbaijan allowed people to depart, Vardanyan was unjustly detained, sparking outrage within the Armenian diaspora.

Afeyan highlighted the profound symbolic importance of Vardanyan, who stands as a global representative for Armenians worldwide. He condemned the arrest as a deliberate act to psychologically pressure the ten million Armenians across the globe who have already experienced immense hardship.

Afeyan condemned the ongoing crisis as a textbook case of ethnic cleansing, echoing the sentiments of international experts who have decried the situation. He emphasized that the arrests of Vardanyan and other former Artsakh leaders only exacerbated the injustice faced by the Armenian population, signaling a dire need for international intervention.

In closing, Afeyan pleaded with the global community not to turn a blind eye to the unfolding tragedy. He warned that indifference in the face of such injustice would only breed further impunity and encouraged the world to stand against the aggression, fostering hope for a future where justice and compassion prevail in Nagorno-Karabakh.