The most crucial issue that deserves World Armenians’ undivided attention and devotion: Protection of the Syunik/Zangezur region
Posted on August. 4. 2021
Recently, Dr. Dickran Abrahamian initiated an Urgent Appeal. Below is Appo Jabarian’s comment. See related article on page E3 by Prof. Andrew Demirdjian.
In my opinion, the most crucial issue that urgently deserves our nation’s (Homeland and Diaspora) undivided attention and devotion is the protection of the Syunik/Zangezur region. One hundred years ago, what is now called Turkey and Azerbaijan attempted through the Soviet Red Army and Kemalist Turkish Army to forcibly occupy and annex Syunik/Zangezur to then newly created Azerbaijan. They failed.
Now one hundred years later the Neo-Ottoman archenemies are attempting to force on Armenia the so-called southern ‘corridor’ plan in Syunik effectively cutting off the Republic of Armenia from Iran.
One hundred years ago, our nation was lucky and blessed to have a military leader like General Karekin Nejdeh and determined Armenian fighters who held at bay and embarrassed the Soviet Red Army/ Kemalist Turkish Army long enough to force the Kremlin to officially acknowledge Syunik to be an integral part of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia. Syunik was saved from the fate of Nakhichevan and Artsakh.
Our people everywhere need to join forces and resources (human and material) to help consolidate strong Armenian and international economic and military presence in Syunik and for that matter entire Armenia sending a strong signal to Turkey/ Azerbaijan and the international community on the Armenian people’s determination to protect Armenia’s sovereignty in Syunik.
In terms of empowering our people in forming a citizen-army serving as auxiliary forces next to and under the command of the Armenian Armed Forces, VOMA –Ողջ Մնալու Արուեստը (VOMA: Art of Survival) is doing a remarkable job. VOMA is spreading throughout Armenia as public support is further developing. Now it has established a network of chapters through the country. They deserve our immediate attention and support.
The military preparedness of not just the Army but also the civilian masses in Armenia is indispensable for Armenia’s survival as a sovereign state..
All the best,
Appo Jabarian