YEREVAN—The newly elected Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) held a press conference on March 10 at the Kristapor Mikaelian Center, where Bureau Representative Armen Rustamyan and Bureau members Hagop Pakradouni and Lilit Galstyan addressed the party’s direction following the 35th ARF World Congress.
During the conference, Galstyan expressed appreciation for the recognition of a woman’s role within the Bureau and affirmed her commitment to the responsibilities ahead. She then read the official declaration of the 35th World Congress, outlining key resolutions and policy positions adopted by the ARF’s supreme decision-making body.
Rustamyan, speaking on behalf of the Bureau, characterized the past three years as a period of severe national crisis, marked by significant losses for Armenia and Artsakh. He asserted that the World Congress convened at a time when the threats previously identified by the party had fully materialized, emphasizing that the Armenian people had endured another genocidal act in Artsakh, resulting in its depopulation.
Addressing the broader geopolitical situation, Rustamyan criticized what he described as a defeatist and concessionary approach by Armenia’s current government. He warned that under the guise of a false peace, authorities were conceding national interests while relying on security assurances from forces historically hostile to Armenia. He stressed that this reality was being deliberately concealed from the public.
Rustamyan further argued that Armenia’s current foreign policy direction was alienating traditional allies and diminishing the country’s diplomatic standing. Instead of isolating itself, he said, Armenia should be working to expand its circle of strategic partnerships and adopt a more assertive foreign policy that strengthens its security and long-term stability. In this regard, he underscored the need for a reliable security framework that ensures protection in the face of emerging threats, particularly through deeper cooperation with key regional allies.
The Bureau Representative also addressed the status of Davit Ishkhanyan, the President of Artsakh’s National Assembly, who remains imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Rustamyan noted concerns over Ishkhanyan’s health and stated that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of Armenian prisoners held in Baku. He affirmed that the Hay Tahd offices and ARF structures worldwide were actively engaged in legal and diplomatic efforts to expedite the return of detainees. Furthermore, he announced that the ARF’s 35th World Congress had unanimously decided that Ishkhanyan would continue to serve as a Bureau member.
The discussion also touched on the broader regional situation, with Hagop Pakradouni warning that looming instability in the Middle East could have direct consequences for Armenian communities. He noted that local institutions, including national organizations, churches, and cultural associations, were working to safeguard both the physical security and cultural identity of Armenians in the region. The ARF, he said, remains committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that Armenian communities maintain their presence despite growing challenges.
The press conference concluded with Bureau members responding to questions from journalists, reiterating the party’s commitment to political change in Armenia as a necessary step toward restoring national sovereignty and reversing current policies.
