Your trusted source

"We failed to safeguard the victory of our fathers, no one will forgive us for this, we will not forgive ourselves, the authorities – because they told lies and us – for believing in those lies," Srbuhi Grigoryan, an MP from the opposition Bright Armenia faction, said on Thursday.

Addressing lawmakers, she stated this was Armenia’s “most disgraceful” defeat under the name "We Will Win".

"Our army could not have become an army with ultramodern weapons in 2.5 years. The origins of this defeat go back to the past, this is undeniable. The defeat for me started in this hall on October 27, 1999. Yes, we are obliged to have the most combat ready army in the region. We all have forgotten these words of Vazgen Sargsyan,” she said.

Also, the deputy dismissed a new “myth” about the possibility of a peaceful coexistence of Armenians and Azerbaijanis in some regions.

“Romance may be necessary to make a revolution, it may be important for journalism at some extent ... but to lead a country with such a geographic location you need to be realistic and forward-looking. To live together? How?" she asked.

According to Srbuhi Grigoryan, witnessing the humiliation that Armenian prisoners of war are subjected to in Azerbaijan and seeing what happens to the elderly who could not have left their homes in Artsakh, one cannot believe in the myth of peaceful coexistence.

"There are talks about the road passing through Syunik. Where will this road pass through other than civilian settlements? How will we ensure the safety of the people living in the communities close to that road? Will these settlements be empty? Have you thought about it? Apparently, no,” she said.

The lawmaker also accused the authorities of failing to ensure the immediate return of war prisoners and captives to Armenia.

"Now there are reports that Baku plans to organize a victory parade during which our prisoners of war will be shown. Do we have a state that can save our compatriots from such humiliation? This is a matter of negotiations, just like the issue of our borders. Tomorrow will be too late, move on, gentlemen! From now on, we must not fail in any negotiations,” she stated.