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1_ When the war broke out at the end of September 2020: What were your initial reactions and thoughts especially as images were starting to come out showing the violence of the conflict?

The initial reaction was not one of surprise. We have seen how Turkey has been belligerent and aggressive on the World stage now. We have seen their belligerent attitude toward Greece and in Syria, their promotion of the Islamic State. Why would it have been any different in Artsakh? What surprised me was what transpired afterwards. The Turks made no qualms about it, they put all their energy behind the Azeris. The use of their technology, specifically their drones was a surprise especially since they were built thanks to Canadian technology. It was shameful that the Canadian government let its arms ban be circumvented like that thus leading to the death of thousands of Armenians. To this day we still do not know who allowed this to happen and ultimately who ‘greenlighted’ the whole operation to allow Turkey to get its hands on the technology it needed. I have to say that I was also surprised at how the Western powers turned their backs on the only democracy in that region. We tried to pretend that this was some sort of internal and domestic issue when in reality it was completely the contrary. It was a full-scale invasion by the Azeris supported by Turkey. The West, especially Canada, should have been supporting Armenia much more forcefully.

 2-      What brought you to present the motion to condemn Azerbaijan & Turkey and to recognize the Republic of Artsakh?

 A couple of things. Number 1: it was the right thing to do on principle. Number 2: the recognition of Artsakh is the only way to reaching a lasting solution to this conflict. 

I think it is important for everyone to realize that Azerbaijan is an invention of the Stalin era Soviet Union that was created for political expediency. I believe that the 150 000 indigenous Armenians of Artsakh who have been there for centuries have the right to self determination. They had a referendum clearly demonstrating their desire and I believe that this is a principle that merited to be upheld.

3-      Why do you think Canada didn’t take a more proactive approach and publicly condemn Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s aggression?

That’s a very good question. I am asking myself the exact same question. Why are we acquiescing to a dictator like Erdogan, who has infringed on all of our core values and principles? Turkey is not acting like a NATO ally. I just do not understand it. I also don’t understand why our government allowed for the sale of our technology to Turkey. What we have heard for many months is that they have launched an ‘investigation’ which in other words means they are trying to sweep the issue under the rug. It is important to remember that in April 2020, Justin Trudeau had a phone call with Erdogan and the issue of LR3 technology was brought up and one month later that technology was authorized to be sold. I have trouble believing that without the support of the prime minister and Global Affairs Canada, this company would have exported the technology. If this is the case and I have said it before, it is shameful because that means that the Canadian government has blood on its hands. We are the country that stood up for justice in Rwanda, we fought the Apartheid regime in South Africa, we sent peacekeepers to Cyprus against the illegal Turkish invasion; all to support our vision of freedom and human rights. All of a sudden, in 2020 we closed our eyes and turned our backs to Armenia in its time of need. Why did Prime Minister Trudeau do this? I am still asking myself the same question.

 4-      On Nov. 10, 2020, a day after the agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, you met with AGBU Canada representatives to discuss the dire situation in Artsakh. What was your impression of that meeting and how did you feel the community in Canada was dealing with the Artsakh war situation?

I had a very constructive meeting with the organization. I am in constant contact with Armenia’s ambassador too. Having been born and raised in Chomedey, Laval, I have many close ties with the Armenian community. I have had the privilege of being more sensitized than other Canadian politicians on the injustice Armenia is facing. I want to compliment AGBU for being engaged on this issue and going above and beyond the call to work hard on this just cause. Unfortunately, we did not successfully pass my motion because Trudeau’s appointed senators defeated it. But the fight has just begun, the war has just begun. We cannot quit; we must persevere.

5-      What are your thoughts for the future of Artsakh and the broader region short, medium and longer term?

I think after losing a battle, we need to take inventory and reflect. The first step is political stability in Armenia. That is the core of the global Armenian community. It is imperative that these internal issues be resolved quickly. Then we need to live with the current state of the agreement that was signed, but at least short term it will bring peace to the civilians coming back to their homes. They must keep rebuilding their lives. Then we must carefully monitor the actions from Azerbaijan. I personally expect them to start migration policies to Artsakh to start populating the region even though they do not belong there. This issue was just about land for them and then to re-write history which is what Turks and Azeris consistently do.

In the Diaspora, longer term, we must work much harder to those who are oblivious to the history and plight of the Armenian people. It is still amazing to me how many people do not know about the Armenian Genocide. Every single day I must educate my colleagues in the Senate that ‘Pontos’ (northeastern Turkey along the Black Sea) was a Christian bastion of Greeks, Pontian and Armenians. The history of the Ottoman Turkish nation is one of invasion, conflict and war. That is what they contributed to Western civilization. On a separate note, I am also very worried about the political situation in Russia. If their internal strife continues, I am worried that the Azeris and Turks will try to take advantage of the situation to keep going after Armenia. Erdogan and the Azeris have been clear that they want to wipe Armenia off the face of the Earth. We should not pretend that these countries and individuals can be talked to, negotiate with and reasoned with.

6-      How do you think members of AGBU and the broader Armenian Canadian community should continue the struggle to defend the rights of the people of Artsakh?

I think they must take the time to educate and sensitize their friends and neighbors. The beauty of Canada is that we enrich ourselves when we get enlightened by our friends and neighbors. You cannot underestimate the networks of the folks around you. It is going to require a lot of time and investment. Members of AGBU will be surprised at how little Canadians know about Armenia and Artsakh, but keep in mind that these people are all potential allies to our cause. Armenians in Canada must also not underestimate their power. Even though it is relatively small in number it is influential that has contributed greatly to academia, various professions and in business. AGBU and the community must deploy significant efforts to educate politicians who have a low knowledge about the issue and the region as a whole. That is the best way that the community can support Artsakh and prepare for the future.

 

Interviewed by

Alexandre Meterissian