RICHARD HOVANNISIAN: IDEA OF PATRIOTISM IS BROUGHT TO BACKGROUND IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 23, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Day of Declaration of Armenia’s
Independence – May 28 is of exceptional value in the Armenian history,
Prof. Richard Hovannisian of the University of California stated at
the May 23 press conference, adding that if there had not been May
28, there would have been neither Soviet Armenia nor the current
independent state. According to him, the fact of Eastern Armenia’s
becoming independent in 1918 was unexpected.

The situation in the country: the Russian revolution, the ruin of the
Caucasian front, the invasion of the Turkish army left Armenians with
no choice but to defend and save this small piece of land. At that time
both the Armenian leaders and intellectuals were concerned very much
about the fate of Western Armenia. "They never thought that Yerevan
would become a capital city, around which a state would be created,"
the historian said.

In his words, patriotism and a sense of statehood should be instilled
more deeply into the Armenians. That is, they should remember this
not only on that day but they should live with this feeling every
day. However, as he pointed out, for this the peope should be free
and well-off, whereas today many in Armenia are more concerned over
their daily problems, as a result of which the idea of patriotism is
being brought to the background.

R. Hovannisian noted that favorable living conditions should be created
in the country so that people will not emigrate. According to him,
each people should live and create in its own country for the welfare
of homeland.

Speaking about the March 1 events, R. Hovannisian described these
events as a great tragedy, noting that everybody is to blame for it. In
his words, to forgive is the only way to solve the prolblem. The
existing situation and hatred will aggravate if people continue to
accuse and not tolerate each other.