Calls for Armenian Friendship Spark Backlash: ‘Peace Is Not Signed Yet – Don’t Rush Into Forgetting the War!
A spirit of reconciliation is spreading across social media and the press. Some are already preparing to be ambassadors to Armenia. Some are inviting Nikol Pashinyan as a guest. Others, reminiscing about the past, dream of taking selfies with Armenian tourists atop the Maiden Tower…
Ladies and gentlemen, why are we rushing? Where are we rushing to?! The peace agreement hasn’t even been signed yet. And after signing, there’s still the ratification process. There’s still the formal exchange of documents. In other words, there’s a long road ahead. Don’t create the illusion that everything is resolved, as if it’s all over. Every word must be spoken at its right time.
Yes, the peace agreement has been initialed. A declaration was signed in Washington. These are historic events. And yes, we can rejoice in such historic moments. But there’s also the events of history. We want peace—this is clear. But we also do not forget the horrors of war. We must not forget anything that happened from December 1987 to today. Otherwise, we risk offending the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for this land, the feelings of our wounded veterans, and all victims of war.
To achieve peace, we must not forget war. To prevent future wars, we must remember the past ones. We must remind our Armenian guests—whom you are so quick to invite—what we have endured and what we lost due to their country’s actions. This is not about living in the shadow of the past—it’s about not stumbling into a forgetfulness that could cast a shadow over our future.
Yes, nations can reconcile. But it is impossible to reconcile with those who caused enmity between these peoples—or with the very hatred one people harbored toward the other. A “victorious nation,” as you call it, takes ownership of both its past and its future simultaneously. What befits us is not to rush with open arms toward our neighbors before the peace treaty is even signed.
Please — show some gravity. Just a little!
Of course, this doesn’t apply to everyone. But if it applies to you—then take these words personally.
