During The Armenian Report’s coverage of Armenia’s Republic Day military parade in Yerevan’s Republic Square, our team conducted Q&A interviews with citizens who came to watch the event. One of the main questions asked was whether this was the right time to hold a military parade while Armenian prisoners of war remain in Azerbaijani jails.
The question was inspired by the recent audio message of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, who criticized the decision to organize the parade under the current circumstances and called it morally wrong while Armenian detainees remain imprisoned in Baku.
Despite the criticism surrounding the event, many of the people interviewed by The Armenian Report expressed strong support for the parade. Several citizens said the military display was important for morale, national unity, and showing strength after years of war and regional instability.
Some interviewees argued that Armenia must demonstrate that it is rebuilding and becoming stronger, with one citizen saying the parade sends a message that Armenians are “not weak” and that the country still stands behind its army. Others stressed that work to return Armenian POWs should continue, but that supporting soldiers and showing public unity is also necessary.
One young man interviewed by The Armenian Report said he believed the timing of the parade was likely connected to the upcoming elections and described the event as politically influenced. However, he also stressed that, despite political disagreements, Armenian soldiers still deserve public support and encouragement.
“I think doing this today, given the context of what’s happening, was clearly politically tainted, but I still think that it was very important to support the soldiers,” he said.
The same interviewee added that even though he strongly opposes Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, he still believes Armenians must stand behind the army regardless of who is in power.
“I’m 100% against Pashinyan, but regardless, I think it’s very important to support our soldiers and I’m glad to see that there are people who see that the army is still here and that we’re gonna always be there no matter what,” he said.
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