“For the first time, I am addressing you and I do so publicly, as I am very concerned about the fate of our region and Armenia. Based on my experience dealing with Russia and with Putin, who recently accused me at the CIS summit of essentially causing the collapse of this organization, allow me to offer you some advice. You came to power as a result of popular protests, or in Putin’s terms, a “color revolution”, and believe me, no matter how loyal you claim to be, he will never forgive you and never will. Especially after your recent statements, political moves, and especially the ratification of the Rome Statute – he is your sworn enemy and will try to overthrow you by any means available – stirring up internal chaos, encouraging military actions. He will strangle you economically and employ the full arsenal of hybrid warfare.
You must remember that you have very little time. After coming to power, you either failed or did not implement fundamental reforms, your current government apparatus is truly the Kremlin’s fifth column. You have been late with European integration.
As hard as it might be for you, the recent events surrounding Armenia give our region a new chance. In some time, we can live like the three Baltic countries – with open borders, creating a whole system of logistic, financial, energy hubs, using the advantages of each of our trio. But for this, you must hurry and discard any hesitation, go all-in. Demand the immediate withdrawal of the Russian military base, exit the CIS, CSTO, the customs union, and apply for membership in the European Union and NATO.
In 2013, we flew to Yerevan together with the President of the European Commission Barroso, in vain trying to persuade your predecessor not to join some of these organizations under Moscow’s umbrella.
Lastly, you must openly declare and immediately sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, thereby paving the way for fundamental changes in Armenia’s domestic and foreign policy.
You are not lacking personal courage and political boldness, and I hope you will not let Putin destroy you and, in the process, ruin your country and ultimately destabilize our region.
The danger looming over all of us is very real and requires immediate action. I hope this time you will not hesitate,” wrote Saakashvili on his Facebook page.
