Disappointment and Regret Over Joe Biden's April 24 Message: Arman Babajanyan

Former MP Arman Babajanyan's statement: “I felt disappointment and regret over U.S. President Joe Biden’s April 24 message. Not a single word about Armenia, the threats facing Armenian statehood, and the willingness and commitment to overcome security challenges together.

The remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, its recognition is no longer about a hundred years past, it is about the present, about adequately and appropriately responding to today’s challenges and creating the necessary mechanisms and security umbrella to prevent its recurrence.

The recognition of the genocide is about translating words into action—ensuring Armenia’s statehood is competitive, strong, with established institutions, a capable military, and advanced weaponry. The recognition of the Armenian Genocide is establishing friendly relations with all neighbors for a powerful Armenia.

The recognition of the Genocide is no longer solely about the Armenian people. It is about creating the capabilities necessary for the perpetuity of the Armenian statehood. The recognition of the Genocide brings the global Armenian community closer to the sacred idea of the eternal existence of Armenia, focusing all of us on the reality of making the development and progress of the Republic of Armenia irreversible.

It is condemnable that, in the thirtieth year of our statehood, we allow our pain and sorrow to be discussed as usually done with stateless nations. There is no Armenian people without Armenia. Recognize the century-old Armenian Genocide as a practical medium to support the Armenian people’s safe and secure existence in their homeland today, strengthening their statehood both from within and outside, with mechanisms and tools that provide technological advancement.

Armenia is the only means of giving meaning to the existence of the entire Armenian community. It is not the time to lament, mourn, or recognize—now is the time to work, work, and work tirelessly to make Armenia a safer, more prosperous, and the best environment for self-expression.