We live in a strange time, when we are being convinced that our rich history is a burden holding us back rather than a foundation for moving forward, that patriotism is an outdated concept harmful to the Armenian spirit, and that identity is not our essence but a seasonal trend that can be changed several times a year. This was stated in Yerevan on March 16 by Robert Kocharyan, the "Armenia" bloc's candidate for Prime Minister and Armenia's second president.

"To these dangerous misconceptions, we say: 'No!' For the Armenian bloc, our identity, our history, and patriotism are the driving force for building a modern and powerful country.

Today, the world has descended into chaos, the world order has collapsed, and a new one has yet to take shape. Most likely, the new world order will, for some time, amount to the law of the jungle. Under these conditions, ensuring security remains one of Armenia's primary tasks.

Armenia needs a strong army, a strong leader, and a powerful ally to jointly neutralize all threats. Armenia's foreign policy must be predictable, clear, and must reject the option of playing on the contradictions between great powers.

It was precisely this approach, during my presidency, that ensured the most peaceful years for Armenia. And now I can provide an absolutely reliable framework for guaranteeing our security.

We are for peace with Azerbaijan, but this peace must be based not on a 'cross my heart' model, but on real guarantees. This is especially important at a time when the right of force has replaced the force of right in the world.

Our goal is to become the most effective and organized state in the South Caucasus. Only then can we be of interest to allies and partners among the great powers. Only then will our rights be properly respected. Selling national interests in exchange for a single photograph is humiliating and criminal," Kocharyan stated.