Food for thought: A shift in national paradigm.

The attached is the translation of Avo G Boghossian’s post today, on his Facebook page. His comment should not be accepted, nor rejected. But it should be viewed in the context that we, as Armenians, are living through a change; through a shift of our national paradigm. Historical trauma, distinction between Turks as people and Turkish State, the inevitable cultural overlaps that have come about through centuries living with and not necessarily only next to each other, and geopolitics is shaping our national paradigm as a free and independent and a sovereign country. But yes, I enjoy the song Kedashen / Գետաշեն, and  yes too, what Avo says has political implications, and as far as I am concerned gives validity to Civil Contract initiated cross road for peace initiative. Vaհe H Apelian

 

Landlocked Armenia at the cross road.

The post in translation

« I have long disagreed with the notion that we are an exceptional nation and our well-known opponents are nomads and “sheep”. 

Yes, I have always believed and am convinced that nations do not differ from each other in the biological composition of the brain, they differ only in the conditions.

 Indeed, our opponents, that is, Turkey, have today reached the level where they produce fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft, tanks and artillery, drones and other weapons. In other words, in addition to a huge demographic advantage, there is also an incomparable engineering superiority. 

The outdated national revolutionary songs are now naive and childish, and unattainable dreams only cause nightmares.»

Բնագիրը՝ 

Ես շատոնց համաձայն չէի այն կարծիքին թէ մենք բացառիկ ազգ ենք իսկ մեր ծանօթ հակառակորդները քոչուորներ եւ “ոչխարներ” : Այո, միշտ հաւատացած էի ու համոզուած եմ որ ազգերը իրարմէ չեն տարբերիր ուղեղի կենսաբանական բաղադրութեամբ, կը տարբերին միայն պայմաններու բերումով… : Արդարեւ մեր հակառակորդները, այսինքն Թուրքիան այսօր հասած է այն մակարդակին որ հինգերորդ սերունդի KAAN կործանիչ օդանաւեր կ՚արտադրէ, թանկեր եւ հրետանի, անօթաչուներ եւ այլ սպառազինութիւն: Այսինքն ժողովրդագրական հսկայ առաւելութենէ զատ նաեւ ճարտարարուեստական անհամեմատելի գերակայութիւն: Ազգային յեղափոխական հինաւուրց երգերը այլեւս միամիտ եւ երեխայական են իսկ անհասանելի երազները միայն մղձավանջ պատճառող:

is Armenia also heading towards a cashless society?

Vaհe H Apelian

 

I do not live in Armenia. My last visit to Armenia was a decade ago. But I follow news coming from Armenia and about Armenia. Yesterday, while responding to reporters’ questions, the PM Nikol Pashinyan noted that he will be on vacation in Armenia, but will be available to attend to his duties, should the need arise. Today he posted about visiting museums and also alluded to ՀԴՄ, which is the Armenian acronym for Cash Register Receipt. In Armenian, Հսկիչ-դրամարկղային մեքենայի կտրոն. While mandating receipts is not a prelude for a cashless society, but it is for stricter fiscal accountability.

A few days ago, a friend posted on her Facebook page, not about cash register receipts, but about the perils of a cashless society, here in the United States of America. She wrote, “A cashless society means no cash. Zero. It doesn’t mean mostly cashless and you can still use a ‘wee bit of cash here & there’. Cashless means fully digital, fully traceable, fully controlled. I think those who support a cashless society aren’t fully aware of what they are asking for. A cashless society means:…..”. You may read below. 

The notion of cashless society took me back a few decades. I was a new comer, when I heard a debate on television where an IRS agent said that they have the means of converting the society into a cashless society. I was petrified hearing that because where I came from, Lebanon, at that time, an everyday citizen having an account in a bank, did not exist. But,I also realize that, to a great extent, we have become a cashless society.

Nowadays we do most of our payments electronically. A few weeks ago, I saw a Girl Scouts counter next to a store I was attending, selling cookies. I told them, ‘Folks, I am sorry but I will not be purchasing cookie, I do not have cash with me'. One of the ladies attending to young girl scouts, said, no problem, we accept credit card, and for the very first time, I purchased girl scout’s cookie with my credit card. 

Yes, come to think of it; in America we have for all practical purposes, become a cashless society. Should you be at an Olive Garden restaurant, you will find an electronic gadget on the table for payment. When was the last time you paid for your meal in a restaurant with the green bucks? By the way I learned recently the term "buck" for money originated in the 18th-century American frontier, when deer hides (buckskins) were a highly valued and common medium of exchange. Traders and pioneers frequently evaluated goods in terms of how many "bucks" they were worth

Naturally a cashless society offers many advantages. The greatest challenge in a cashless society is the temptation to overspend and run into debt. I imagine that in countries were cashless transitions are not as available, one simply would not be able to buy a loaf bread if the person does not have the money at that moment, in its pocket.

Is Armenia fast heading towards a cashless society? Unlike, America, where the transition into a practically a cashless society came about after decades dealing not in cash but in credit, on the understanding the person will pay in time with interest. I imagine the change into a more accountable purchasing and into cashless dealings, such as purchasing a car, are relatively new in Armenia that a mere 35 years ago was under centralized planning.

I can imagine the pace of change in Armenia is innerving.

***

Food for thought folks….

HERE'S WHAT NO CASH ACTUALLY MEANS:

A cashless society means no cash. Zero. It doesn’t mean mostly cashless and you can still use a ‘wee bit of cash here & there’. Cashless means fully digital, fully traceable, fully controlled. I think those who support a cashless society aren’t fully aware of what they are asking for. A cashless society means:

* If you are struggling with your mortgage on a particular month, you can’t do an odd job to get you through.

* Your child can’t go & help the local farmer to earn a bit of summer cash.

* No more cash slipped into the hands of a child as a good luck charm or from their grandparent when going on holidays.

* No more money in birthday cards.

* No more piggy banks for your child to collect pocket money & to learn about the value of earning.

* No more cash for a rainy-day fund or for that something special you have been putting $20 a week away for.

* No more little jobs on the side because your wages barely cover the bills or put food on the table.

* No more charity collections.

* No more selling bits & pieces from your home that you no longer want/need for a bit of cash in return.

* No more cash gifts from relatives or loved ones.

What a cashless society does guarantee:

* Banks have full control of every single penny you own.

* Every transaction you make is recorded.

* All your movements & actions are traceable.

* Access to your money can be blocked at the click of a button when/if banks need ‘clarification’ from you which will take about 3 weeks, a thousand questions answered & five thousand passwords.

* You will have no choice but to declare & be taxed on every dollar in your possession.

* The government WILL decide what you can & cannot purchase.

* If your transactions are deemed in any way questionable, by those who create the questions, your money will be frozen, ‘for your own good’.

Forget about cash being dirty. Stop being so easily led. Cash has been around for a very, very, very long time & it gives you control over how you trade with the world. It gives you independence. 

If you are a customer, pay with cash. If you are a shop owner, remove those ridiculous signs that ask people to pay by card. Cash is a legal tender, it is our right to pay with cash. Banks are making it increasingly difficult to lodge cash. 

Please open your eyes. Please stop believing everything you are being told. Almost every single topic in today’s world is tainted with corruption & hidden agendas. 

Pay with cash & please say no to a cashless society while you still have the choice.

Copy and paste to your page if you like! Posted from a friend…. I agree

 

 

 

  

Farewell Dikran

  Vaհe H Apelian

I was saddened yesterday evening when I  read the following farewell message on the online journal Keghart. It read: “Dear Keghart readers and friends. Nobody likes to bear gloomy news; but I must. The Keghart.org periodical will shutter indefinitely because of serious deterioration in my health. I thank all readers, article contributors and donors who supported the publication, which lasted for almost two decades. Respectfully, Dikran Abrahamian MD, 07 July 2026.”.

Keghart online journal came about in 2007. I remember distinctly when I received a list of articles from a medical doctor in Canada who also held a B.A. in political science and public administration, claiming that he had come to a point in his life when he could invest time and resources to create a “Non-partisan Website Devoted to Armenian Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy”. Thus, Keghart online journal came about for an international audience.

I can safely say that I believe that I became among the earliest subscribers of the online journal/periodical. In time, one thing led to another and for some years I became among its regular contributors until I came with my own blog. I spoke and continued speaking with Dikran numerous times. But we never met. Although both of us entertained the notion of meeting in person at an opportune time. 

It was in Keghart on line journal that I learned about an Armenian journalist named Nikol Pashinyan. On November 27, 2010, the journal posted an appeal that read: “We, Armenians living in the Diaspora and our non-Armenian friends, are deeply concerned in the imprisonment of Nikol Pashinyan, editor-in-chief of Haykakan Zhamanak (“Armenian Time”) daily in Armenia, and his treatment in jail. While Mr. Pashinyan’s voluntary surrender to law enforcement agencies should have been duly noted by the Armenian authorities, the veteran journalist has experienced coercion behind bars. We attest that these reprehensible acts of the authorities–aimed at silencing Mr. Pashinyan and punishing him for his political views–will have the opposite outcome, making the editor’s voice heard more forcefully in Armenia and in the Diaspora. Deeply concerned with the treatment of the journalist, we are following the “judicial process” with vigilance, hoping that he will be released soon. Meanwhile, we demand that the Armenian authorities put an end to the unlawful acts against him and ensure his security.” The appeal was also listed in French, Armenian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian & German texts. The appeal invited interested readers to have their names included in the list. 

I believe Keghart online journal was the only Diaspora journal that posted about the plight of the young journalist. Furthermore, it could be arguably claimed the editorial board of Keghart was prophetic when it noted in the appeal that punishing Nikol Pashinyan “for his political views–will have the opposite outcome, making the editor’s voice heard more forcefully in Armenia and in the Diaspora.” The rest is history on both accounts; for the journalist and for the Diaspora online journal that sadly is being folded away.

The first article I contributed to the journal was titled “Miss Chambers–the Beloved Missionary of Kessab” and was published in the journal on Nov. 4, 2009. Fate would have it that I may end up among its last commentators as well. The day before yesterday, on June 6, 2026, I had two comments on the journal in response to an article titled and to a comment made about the article. I posted these two comments below for putting a closure to another memorable happening in my life that lasted for the past 20 years or so.

Thank you Dikran for coming with Keghart online periodical that lived up to its claim for being non-partisan, devoted to Armenian affairs, human rights and democracy.  

Fare thee well Dikran

                                                    ***

         I attached for archival purposes my last two comments on Keghart. One pertained to an article titled, “Evaluating International Recognition of the Armenian Genocide” by Dr. Armen Ayvazian. The other pertained to a comment made by David Boyajian to that article. Both comments were posted on Keghart the day before yesterday, on July 6, 2026.

                                                                    *

“Dr. Armen Ayvazyan rightfully points out that since its founding on May 28, 1918, the Republic of Armenia did not make the three Rs of the Genocide -recognition, restituting, reparation – instruments of its foreign policy.

But I disagree with his claim that because of Armenia’s inaction, governments have not recognized the genocide as it should be recognized; and, “nor could they have been, since the Republic of Armenia itself never set such objectives.”

During the Nurenberg trials, Shavarsh Missakian in his Haratch Daily editorial on December 9, 1945, where he introduced the newly minted term Genocide to his readers, wrote: “Our rage mounts tenfold particularly because the day’s victors were present then, where the crime was committed. They were there (in Turkey) for full four years and ruled like landlords, much like they do nowadays in Germany. Then also (aftermath of WWI), hundreds were apprehended, and 70 hand-picked monsters were sent to Malta to be tried and punished commensurate to the crimes they perpetrated. Then?” 

We all know no such thing happened.

Shavarsh Missakian wondered, and surely in sarcasm, wrote, “Had they not discovered the word (Genocide)? Or was it that the bloodthirsty monster was too strong to lay a hand on”?

The answer is simply, “the bloodthirsty monster” is “too strong to lay a hand on”; or strategically too important to punish it, no matter what Armenia does.” Vaհe H Apelian, July 6, 2026.

*

“Russia maintains a continuous military presence in Armenia, anchored by the 102nd Military Base in the city of Gyumri. This contingent comprises several thousand personnel (estimated to be up to 4,000) and includes mechanized units, fighter jets, and air defense systems.

My concern has been and remains the possibility Russia overtaking the Armenian government institutions and subjugating Armenia. There is more of potential of that happening then what David Boyajian claims.

I quote ARF ideologue Kristapor Mikaelian: “«moving forward, always faithful to its spirit of destruction, Russia, as in the past, as well as today, is a representation of a large-scale arena of general persecution, general destruction and violence. There was not a nation left in Russia that was not oppressed, there was not a people left that was not suffocated, there was no word, opinion, right, law – even proclaimed from the imperial throne – that was not violated. It is a terrible stage of rulers and slaves, predators and tyrants, spies and spiers, poisoned by the choices of mutual grudge and hatred. Russia competes with Turkey in all spheres of state life, equally successful in the negative, as well as in the positive. And the unfortunate Armenian is destined to live, to claim the right to see the light of day, on the borders of those two brutal tyrants, ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’, as the English say.” Vaհe H Apelian, July 6, 2026.

 

Farewell Dikran

  Vaհe H Apelian

I was saddened yesterday evening when I  read the following farewell message on the online journal Keghart. It read: “Dear Keghart readers and friends. Nobody likes to bear gloomy news; but I must. The Keghart.org periodical will shutter indefinitely because of serious deterioration in my health. I thank all readers, article contributors and donors who supported the publication, which lasted for almost two decades. Respectfully, Dikran Abrahamian MD, 07 July 2026.”.

Keghart online journal came about in 2007. I remember distinctly when I received a list of articles from a medical doctor in Canada who also held a B.A. in political science and public administration, claiming that he had come to a point in his life when he could invest time and resources to create a “Non-partisan Website Devoted to Armenian Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy”. Thus, Keghart online journal came about for an international audience.

I can safely say that I believe that I became among the earliest subscribers of the online journal/periodical. In time, one thing led to another and for some years I became among its regular contributors until I came with my own blog. I spoke and continued speaking with Dikran numerous times. But we never met. Although both of us entertained the notion of meeting in person at an opportune time. 

It was in Keghart on line journal that I learned about an Armenian journalist named Nikol Pashinyan. On November 27, 2010, the journal posted an appeal that read: “We, Armenians living in the Diaspora and our non-Armenian friends, are deeply concerned in the imprisonment of Nikol Pashinyan, editor-in-chief of Haykakan Zhamanak (“Armenian Time”) daily in Armenia, and his treatment in jail. While Mr. Pashinyan’s voluntary surrender to law enforcement agencies should have been duly noted by the Armenian authorities, the veteran journalist has experienced coercion behind bars. We attest that these reprehensible acts of the authorities–aimed at silencing Mr. Pashinyan and punishing him for his political views–will have the opposite outcome, making the editor’s voice heard more forcefully in Armenia and in the Diaspora. Deeply concerned with the treatment of the journalist, we are following the “judicial process” with vigilance, hoping that he will be released soon. Meanwhile, we demand that the Armenian authorities put an end to the unlawful acts against him and ensure his security.” The appeal was also listed in French, Armenian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian & German texts. The appeal invited interested readers to have their names included in the list. 

I believe Keghart online journal was the only Diaspora journal that posted about the plight of the young journalist. Furthermore, it could be arguably claimed the editorial board of Keghart was prophetic when it noted in the appeal that punishing Nikol Pashinyan “for his political views–will have the opposite outcome, making the editor’s voice heard more forcefully in Armenia and in the Diaspora.” The rest is history on both accounts; for the journalist and for the Diaspora online journal that sadly is being folded away.

The first article I contributed to the journal was titled “Miss Chambers–the Beloved Missionary of Kessab” and was published in the journal on Nov. 4, 2009. Fate would have it that I may end up among its last commentators as well. The day before yesterday, on June 6, 2026, I had two comments on the journal in response to an article titled and to a comment made about the article. I posted these two comments below for putting a closure to another memorable happening in my life that lasted for the past 20 years or so.

Thank you Dikran for coming with Keghart online periodical that lived up to its claim for being non-partisan, devoted to Armenian affairs, human rights and democracy. 

Fare thee well Dikran.

                                                    ***

         I attached for archival purposes my last two comments on Keghart. One pertained to an article titled, “Evaluating International Recognition of the Armenian Genocide” by Dr. Armen Ayvazian. The other pertained to a comment made by David Boyajian to that article. Both comments were posted on Keghart the day before yesterday, on July 6, 2026.

                                                                    *

“Dr. Armen Ayvazyan rightfully points out that since its founding on May 28, 1918, the Republic of Armenia did not make the three Rs of the Genocide -recognition, restituting, reparation – instruments of its foreign policy.

But I disagree with his claim that because of Armenia’s inaction, governments have not recognized the genocide as it should be recognized; and, “nor could they have been, since the Republic of Armenia itself never set such objectives.”

During the Nurenberg trials, Shavarsh Missakian in his Haratch Daily editorial on December 9, 1945, where he introduced the newly minted term Genocide to his readers, wrote: “Our rage mounts tenfold particularly because the day’s victors were present then, where the crime was committed. They were there (in Turkey) for full four years and ruled like landlords, much like they do nowadays in Germany. Then also (aftermath of WWI), hundreds were apprehended, and 70 hand-picked monsters were sent to Malta to be tried and punished commensurate to the crimes they perpetrated. Then?” 

We all know no such thing happened.

Shavarsh Missakian wondered, and surely in sarcasm, wrote, “Had they not discovered the word (Genocide)? Or was it that the bloodthirsty monster was too strong to lay a hand on”?

The answer is simply, “the bloodthirsty monster” is “too strong to lay a hand on”; or strategically too important to punish it, no matter what Armenia does.” Vaհe H Apelian, July 6, 2026.

*

“Russia maintains a continuous military presence in Armenia, anchored by the 102nd Military Base in the city of Gyumri. This contingent comprises several thousand personnel (estimated to be up to 4,000) and includes mechanized units, fighter jets, and air defense systems.

My concern has been and remains the possibility Russia overtaking the Armenian government institutions and subjugating Armenia. There is more of potential of that happening then what David Boyajian claims.

I quote ARF ideologue Kristapor Mikaelian: “«moving forward, always faithful to its spirit of destruction, Russia, as in the past, as well as today, is a representation of a large-scale arena of general persecution, general destruction and violence. There was not a nation left in Russia that was not oppressed, there was not a people left that was not suffocated, there was no word, opinion, right, law – even proclaimed from the imperial throne – that was not violated. It is a terrible stage of rulers and slaves, predators and tyrants, spies and spiers, poisoned by the choices of mutual grudge and hatred. Russia competes with Turkey in all spheres of state life, equally successful in the negative, as well as in the positive. And the unfortunate Armenian is destined to live, to claim the right to see the light of day, on the borders of those two brutal tyrants, ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’, as the English say.” Vaհe H Apelian, July 6, 2026.

 

Of Friendship , July 4, and an enchanting nest

Vaհe H Apelian  

Of friendship and elephants

Friendship transcends time, distance, religion, culture and race. 

A few days ago, I received an email from Nitin, a former colleague, and an old friend, I have not communicated for the past two decades, if not a bit more. The email read, “Respond, if this email is valid still. Hope you are doing well. Warm regards.” Yes, it was. I came with it not long after a domain popped called Yahoo! Who would have wanted not to jump onto a cyber world called Yahoo?

Time momentarily froze when I read the email. Nitin and I worked for the same company. Our offices faced each other. There was not a day at work that I did not meet him. He was in the chemistry side of our shared projects. I was at the pharmaceutical side. One day, I found out an intricately inlaid wooden carving of elephant on my desk. It was from Nitin, who had brought the heavy ornament with him on his return visiting home. It dawned on me that in a casual conversation I had mentioned that the elephants are my most favorite animals. It has become a permanent presence in our home. Elephants form profound life-long friendships.

***

Of July 4

Tomorrow, July 4, 2026, marks the ssemiquincentennialof the United States. The month of July has a personal significance for me. On July 9, 1976, I set foot in the United States, at the JFK International Airport. Telltale signs that the country had just celebrated its bicentennial were palpable. To mark the 250th anniversary, Boston is hosting a massive, yearlong celebration with the peak festivities around the Fourth of July weekend. Our son and daughter-in-law have invited us and our khnamis to spend the weekend in Boston. That will also highlight my 50^th anniversary in the United States.

One of the high points of my immigration to the United States has been the friendships I formed, some passing and some enduring to this day. Some of whom were born and raised in the United States.They were Harold, Bill, John and a few others. Others were Imitiaz, Satish, Nilesh, Mushfig, Leonardo, Maria, Mohammad, Fu, Zhang, Nick, Saied, Masih, and others. They were from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China, Italy, Roumania, Uganda and far East. They were immigrants like me. The contributions they brought to the American pharmaceutical industry, be it its developmental science, and technology, are unmistakable and undeniable.

***

Of enchanting nest

After our, out of main site facility of the company we worked for in Cincinnati closed, I looked for employment in another pharmaceutical company, while Nitin established his own company in Goa, India. In the ensuing email, he wrote that he and his wife have put an end to their professional careers and pursuing personal interests and  “enjoying life making documentary films, publishing digital books. Lot of community work,” and seeing their grandchildren.

It turns out that his wife Vinda is also an avid gardener and on their farm, she has started a home stay. “Lots of my friends do come and stay (of course complimentary to all friends).” He urged us “Do come so we can share memories of the lost time.”

India has fascinated me. Goa is the smallest state in India and has a unique culture of its own. I doubt that my wife and I will undertake such a journey. It was so good to get connected again. 

I read that Gao has a vibrant cultural which is a fusion of East and West, shaped by over 450 years of Portuguese rule alongside indigenous Indian coastal traditions. This unique Indo-European blend has come to define the region’s unique culture, architecture, and cuisine. And all those who may be interested in a home stay away from home, while experiencing the region’s unique culture may consider - https://theenchantingnest.com/

 

 

 

War or peace

Vaհe H Apelian

“War or Peace. Time to Get Serious”, November 1, 1997, was the position paper of then president Levon Ter-Petrosyan regarding the possible resolution of the Karabagh conflict. Not out of love for history, but out of necessity for coming to terms with reality and for shaping reality as much as possible, we should not ignore studying that historical happening in our recent history and its implications for the future.

  Levon Ter-Petrosyan (LTP) was the first president of the Republic of Armenia. His term was from 11 November 1991 to  3 February 1998. On November 1, 1997, President Levon Ter-Petrosyan published his political position regarding the possibility of  settling the Karabagh conflict he led. He titled his position paper, “War or Peace. Time to Get Serious.” 

Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, who are from Karabakh, and Vardan Oskanian who is from the Diaspora, opposed President Levon Ter-Petrosyan. It was LTP who as the leader of Karabagh unification movement and as the first president of the Republic of Armenia, who had propelled their political fortunes. 

President Levon Ter-Petrsoyan, appointed Robert Kocharyan as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia on March 20, 1997.

In 1997, President Levon Ter-Petrosyan also appointed Serzh Sargsyan as the Minister of National Security of Armenia. Additionally, he concurrently held the position of Minister of Interior as well.

Levon Ter-Petrosyan appointed Vardan Oskanian to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry in 1992, and had him elevated to deputy minister in 1994 and then to the first deputy in 1997. Vardan Oskanian's main responsibility concerned the negotiations the Karabakh conflict. 

In that capacity, Oskanian disagreed with the concessions proposed by President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, as did Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan. The three, rejected their own leader,  and political mentor  LTP, and had him resign office, a few months later, on February 3, 1988. They hence took over the  leadership of the country for the next twenty years and enriched themselves becoming enormously wealthy. But what the LTP had warned about, happened. Karabakh was depopulated.

I have attached Levon Ter-Petrsoyan’s “War or Peace. Time to Get Serious” in its entirity in four segments, along with their translations. 

Part 1 – The only option for solving the Karabakh question is compromise,'

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/10/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious_23.html

Part 2 - The path of adventurers will lead to inevitable defeat

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/10/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious_29.html

Part 3 - Five myths and  two riddles

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/11/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious.html

Part 4/4 - Our only ally is the refusal of adventure

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/11/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious_12.html

 

“War or Peace. Time to Get Serious”

 Vaհe H Apelian

“War or Peace. Time to Get Serious”, November 1, 1997, is the position paper of then president Levon Ter-Petrosyan regarding the possible resolution of the Karabagh conflict. Not out of love for history, but out of necessity for coming to terms with reality and for shaping reality as much as possible, we should not ignore studying that historical happening in our recent history and its implications for the future.

  I Levon Ter-Petrosyan (LTP) was the first president of the Republic of Armenia. His term was from 11 November 1991 to  3 February 1998. On November 1, 1997, President Levon Ter-Petrosyan published his political position regarding the possibility of  settling the Karabagh conflict he led. He titled his position paper, “War or Peace. Time to Get Serious.” 

Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, who are from Karabakh, and Vardan Oskanian who is from the Diaspora, opposed President Levon Ter-Petrosyan. It was LTP who as the leader of Karabagh unification movement and as the first president of the Republic of Armenia, who had propelled their political fortunes. 

President Levon Ter-Petrsoyan, appointed Robert Kocharyan as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia on March 20, 1997.

In 1997, President Levon Ter-Petrosyan also appointed Serzh Sargsyan as the Minister of National Security of Armenia. Additionally, he concurrently held the position of Minister of Interior as well.

Levon Ter-Petrosyan appointed Vardan Oskanian to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry in 1992, and had him elevated to deputy minister in 1994 and then to the first deputy in 1997. His main responsibility concerned the negotiations on the Karabakh conflict. 

In that capacity, Oskanian disagreed with the concessions proposed by President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, as did Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan. The three, rejected their own leader,  and political mentor  LTP, and had him resign office, a few months later, on February 3, 1988. They hence took over the  leadership of the country for the next twenty years and enriched themselves becoming enormously wealthy. But what the LTP had warned about, happened. Karabakh was depopulated.

I have attached Levon Ter-Petrsoyan’s “War or Peace. Time to Get Serious” in its entirity in four segments, along with their translations. 

Part 1 – The only option for solving the Karabakh question is compromise,'

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/10/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious_23.html

Part 2 - The path of adventurers will lead to inevitable defeat

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/10/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious_29.html

Part 3 - Five myths and  two riddles

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/11/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious.html

Part 4/4 - Our only ally is the refusal of adventure

http://vhapelian.blogspot.com/2024/11/war-or-peace-time-to-get-serious_12.html