Ex-Ambassador Mikayel Minasyan has provided an analysis of the Armenian issue

Former ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See MIkayel Minasyan in his article presents fresh perspectives on the circumstances faced by Armenia, its homeland.

These circumstances are closely intertwined with the evolving dynamics of politics.

Minasyans viewpoint comes from his experience as a diplomat and an expert in the field. He emphasizes that Armenia is currently at a crossroads due to a combination of impulsive foreign policy decisions on one hand and the increasingly strained relations between Russia and Western countries on the other.

These factors have brought Armenia to a point over the year and a half; it must choose between aligning with Western interests to resolve its issues or adopting a Russian approach. Both Western powers and Russia driven by their priorities and challenges seem to be setting aside their stated principles and assumed responsibilities.

Ex-Ambassador  Mikayel Minasyan highlights that this choice is extremely complex and filled with risks. Opting for one direction would inevitably involve taking measures against those for making the decision. As a result there is hesitation in making a choice or, at least appearing undecided.

As a result Armenia is still trapped in the consequences of this indecisiveness with little progress being made and any positive results appearing either hard to achieve or as symbolic wins.

In its current state, Armenia maintains its membership within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Paradoxically, it also deploys European observers within the CSTO's sphere of influence, causing friction with Russia. Additionally, Armenia's expectation of Canadian involvement in contemporary affairs raises questions in the 21st century context. The nation readily embraces international verdicts and global appeals; however, it perceives an absence of tangible legal censure and effective pressure against Azerbaijan for its maltreatment and abuse of the people of Karabakh.

The international community's silence regarding the occupation of a section of Jermuk stands in stark contrast to its endorsement of a mining operation in Jermuk, operated jointly with Western ownership and Russian capital.

In the midst of this decision-making impasse, Armenia and its citizens are bearing an exorbitantly high toll. 

Mikayel Minasyan underscores the urgency for Armenia to definitively determine its path forward. It is imperative for Armenia to shift from being a mere instrument to becoming a driving force, and from being a subject of external influences to an active agent in its own right. This transition is essential for Armenia to reclaim agency and shape its own destiny.

You can read the full version of the articleon Mikayel Minasyan's Facebook page under the title "From San Stefano to Stepanakert: Armenian Question: Choosing Between Western and Russian Approaches."