President of Armenia Acknowledges Collective Responsibility for Artsakh Situation

President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, met with the Armenian community of Baghdad and recognized the shared blame of Armenians, especially those residing in Armenia, including himself, in the complex issue of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community and organizations in Baghdad, President Khachaturyan reflected on the missed opportunities and the failure to grasp the reality of the situation after the 1990s.

"We [Armenians] failed to realize the potential we had, which could have led us to achieve our aspirations. Unfortunately, we lost that chance. I refrain from assigning blame. We are all guilty, particularly us citizens living in Armenia, and especially the politicians, among whom I count myself," admitted President Khachaturyan.

The President highlighted the failure to realistically assess the evolving circumstances and the missed chance to seek a dignified solution with neighboring nations beneficial to both Artsakh and Armenian people. He acknowledged a historical tendency to assess situations based on self-interest, neglecting the importance of understanding the perspective of the other side.

"We couldn't accurately gauge the situation we live in and, consequently, failed to negotiate solutions that would have been honorable for both Artsakh and our compatriots residing there. Our assessments have often been one-sided, focusing solely on our interests, without considering the concerns of the other party. However, diplomacy is a two-way street," President Khachaturyan emphasized.

The President's open acknowledgment of collective responsibility shows the need for a more inclusive and cooperative approach to address the longstanding challenges in Armenia. As Armenia grapples with the aftermath of the Artsakh issue, President Khachaturyan's remarks call for reflection and a renewed commitment to finding equitable solutions through diplomatic means.