The peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is unfolding steadily, systematically, and consistently — and most importantly, almost entirely without outside mediation. The two sides have begun to truly hear each other; both events and statements are taking on a stable rhythm, marked by a genuine intent toward good-neighborliness and mutual understanding. Moreover, an additional, no less important layer has emerged within this overall process — that of public, or “people’s,” diplomacy.
Everything would seem smooth, orderly, and dignified — yet, as so often, there is a “but”… and, as always, it’s an Armenian one.
Yesterday, Armenian media outlets were filled with reports about Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s meeting with representatives of the clergy. Among the eight hierarchs who accepted the varchapet’s invitation was the head of the so-called “Artsakh diocese.”
Despite attempts by Armenia’s leadership to explain to the clerical revanchists, led by Catholicos Garegin, the essence of the post-war peaceful coexistence taking shape in the region, phenomena sometimes occur that defy any logical explanation.
It is troubling enough that certain Armenian clerics — who, by definition, should help shape people’s worldview and moral compass in ways that unite and promote stability — have instead, in open violation of the basic principles of the Church, advocated violence and a renewal of hostilities whose consequences for Armenia are well-known. Yet Pashinyan himself has now fed their false hopes. Looking at the invited hierarchs, one cannot help but ask: what was the purpose of including the “Artsakh” priest among them?
If the Catholicos and other cassock-clad champions of revenge have long held their stance — one that runs counter to both religious doctrine and universal ethics — Pashinyan, supposedly, has crossed over to the “light side.” Such a maneuver by Armenia’s prime minister, which unmistakably raises certain questions, appears, to put it mildly, absurd. How can Baku trust Armenia’s leadership if the head of the so-called “Artsakh Church” feels at home in the office of this “peace-loving” republic’s premier?
The varchapet shakes hands with Bishop Vrtanes, bows to him — and Vrtanes is listed among the official guests. There is no mistake or misunderstanding here. So what, then, does Armenia’s recognition of Karabakh as an inseparable part of Azerbaijan really mean, if Pashinyan continues to pay public respect to a representative of the separatist movement?
Carefully carrying the fragile and long-awaited peace, painstakingly pieced together, while avoiding any action that might damage its still-delicate structure — and then letting the media feast on the handshake between Nikol and Vrtanes? What purpose does that serve?
Either Pashinyan, fearing the Church and the possible loss of part of his electorate ahead of the elections, has made this step under pressure, or he fails to grasp that at such a sensitive moment, these actions could backfire — not only in Baku’s eyes, but within Armenia itself.
As another self-styled “Artsakh” activist, lawyer Roman Yeritsyan, wrote:
“The meeting between Bishop Vrtanes, head of the ‘Artsakh Diocese’ (quotation marks ours — Ed.), and Nikol Pashinyan — the handshake and especially the bow — caused deep pain and outrage. Showing such respect to the man responsible for the political decision to hand over ‘Artsakh,’ with all its monasteries, churches, khachkars, graves, and sacred sites, to Azerbaijan is, for me and, I’m sure, for thousands of ‘Artsakh’ Armenians, not only unacceptable but profoundly humiliating. Every such gesture today blatantly disregards our pain, injustice, and tragedy.”
A cry from the “wounded Artsakh soul,” as it were.
But even this, Mr. Pashinyan, did not work — your grand gesture of goodwill went unappreciated, even inside Armenia. There was no need for these cheap theatrics disguised as political calculation. Better to avoid flirting with separatist clerics altogether — and spare the public any more amateur dramatics.
Alla Zeydullayeva
