International community blames Armenia but not certain political forces for March 1 events

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Indeed, riots and deaths have badly damaged Armenia's international image. And when the international community comes inquiring about the situation, they are not interested in asking or knowing who is responsible for what. They look at this as an Armenian mess, an Armenian tragedy, an Armenian problem and judge us all together. It's not the government that's damaged, it's not the opposition that's discredited, it's Armenia that is dishonored," RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said.



"We must accept their criticism, listen to their disappointment, share their frustration and try to make certain that this is not a permanent setback, but a temporary aberration from the path to which we're committed. I hope I'm not wrong. We will be tested by what happens in the coming weeks and months. What is very encouraging is that despite all that has happened, there's a lot of good will towards Armenia, a lot of hope pinned on Armenia, and a sincere desire to see us come through this in a meaningful way, not just superficially moving forward with business as usual."



"This is also a challenge for the Diaspora. The Diaspora is obviously shocked and disappointed by the way events have evolved. But we all are. Now it is time for Armenia and the Diaspora together to navigate through this polarized and paralyzing situation, find ways to build faith, to encourage sustained, continuous engagement, to insist on and support institutional change. In other words, to proceed with the difficult task of nation-building. What the Diaspora cannot do, as some have suggested, is to boycott Armenia, to reject Armenia-based organizations, to blame Armenia for not being the country of their dreams. I understand the disappointment, I don't understand the expectations or the reaction. This is when we in Armenia need the Diaspora, this is when the Diaspora must say what the international community is saying - we are disappointed in what has happened and we stand ready to work with you to bring Armenia out of this crisis. This is not the time to disown the family. This is the time for systematic and broad cooperation," the Minister told Azdak Beirut-based newspaper.