Our identity, faith, and security are at risk – The People Speak

As part of “The People Speak” project, Alpha News conducted surveys in Yerevan and Armenian communities in the US and Russia to gather public opinion on pressing issues.

When asked about establishing relations with Turkey, respondents noted that the level and format of dialogue should be addressed as a separate matter.

“Normal relations…well, relatively normal. We must understand our place: where we are and what kind of environment surrounds us. We can’t wish our neighbors away, and everyone understands this. But we still need to ensure our own security,” one respondent said.

“The Armenian people already have experience dealing with Turkey, the outcome of which is clear—the Genocide. You can be friends with anyone, but not with a Turk,” another citizen remarked, stressing that the red lines of history must not be forgotten.

“I have a negative attitude toward the idea of friendship with Turkey. I don’t even fly through Turkey when traveling abroad. I am not a supporter of Turkey. We must respect our identity, remember our history, and keep everything in mind. We have a proverb: you can be friends with a Turk, but always keep your guard up. I do not support the idea of establishing supposedly friendly relations with Turkey—this is a very painful issue,” another respondent said.

Respondents also emphasized that Armenia’s current authorities are leading the country toward Turkification. “The Turks are entrenched in the mountains of Syunik and Sisian, they have seized peaks in Jermuk. How can we talk about building relations with an aggressor?” they noted.

Addressing Armenia’s security, citizens stressed that the country has found itself in an extremely dangerous and vulnerable position.

“The current authorities are fulfilling all of Baku’s demands. It’s hard to say—everything seems calm, but we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. There is always calm before the storm—perhaps that is the time we are in now. There must be inner strength and a firm word from the authorities so that the people feel confident. We need to reflect and grow stronger,” one respondent emphasized.