SYDNEY: A Panel Discussion entitled 'Nagorno Karabakh at a Crossroads', organised by the Armenian Youth Federation of Australia, attracted over 100 members of the community who heard experts call for better leadership from the Armenian government.
The panel, made up of respected members of the Armenian-Australian community, discussed various issues in relation to Nagorno Karabakh, including the Madrid Principles, the role of the OSCE Minsk Group, the declining population of the region, the role of Russia and other world powers, and most notably, what was deemed the lack of a well-articulated policy by the government of Armenia since entering these negotiations.
"The pressure the government is currently under is considerable, however this shouldn't mean that it continues to pursue a policy that is defeated," said panellist Mr. Greg Soghomonian.
Mr. Varant Meguerditchian, also a panellist and President of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, added: "As diasporan Armenians and legitimate stakeholders, we must demand stronger leadership from the government of Armenia and hold it accountable for its failed foreign policy strategies."
The panel reached consensus on these thoughts, while also agreeing that although war should be avoided, Armenians would be ready to defend their lands once again if necessary. Most panellists remain believers that Russia will partner with Armenia should the issue reach boiling point.
When a member of the Armenian Youth Federation asked what Armenian-Australians can do to assist, panellists said the youth community must start winning the 'information war' against the better-resourced Azeris and Turks, who sometimes succeed in selling lies to world media.
Full list of panellists:
- Mr. Greg Soghomonian (Political Advisor)
- Mr. Varoujan Iskenderian (Australian Representative of NKR)
- Mr. Varant Meguerditchian (President of Armenian National Committee of Australia)
- Mr. Berdj Momdjian (Chairperson of ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Australia)
- Mr. Ararat Sahakian (Karabakh Independence Movement)
- Mrs. Suzy Sarafian (Chairperson of Armenian Relief Society - Australia)
Former chairperson of AYF Australia, and current Communications Officer of ANC Australia, Haig Kayserian mediated the panel discussion.
