Since the liberation movement was launched in 1988, the Armenian Diaspora has paid special attention to Nagorno-Karabakh.

At present the Armenian Diaspora still considers Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) to be a great achievement of the Armenian nation and is keeping track of the developments in the country, Zhirair Sefilyan, a member of the Sardarapat movement, told Tert.am.

Should hostilities resume, the Armenian Diaspora’s reaction will largely depend on the “quality” of Armenia’s political elite and of the leadership of Armenian institutions throughout the Diaspora.

“If we fail to carry out essential reforms or prepare new political elite that would be ready to take up the leadership, we will suffer tragic consequences,” Sefilyan said.

As to whether the Armenian Diaspora will support Armenia in case a new war breaks out, which was the case in 1990s, Sefilyan said: “I can state with all responsibility that we failed to fully realize the Armenian Diaspora’s potential because of unskillful political and military leadership of both Armenia and the Diaspora. We were unable to use even 2% of that potential.
And we will certainly face even worse results if we fail to realize this fact and take preventive measures.”

Patriotism was the main factor uniting Armenians throughout the world during the Artsakh war. “Fortunately, we, Armenians, have succeeded in preserving it. And we have young people now that will be even better,” Sefilyan said.

“Blocks to access to the information on Armenia have mostly been removed. It is a fact for many that we have been able to create an Armenian State over the past 20 years,” Sefilyan said. According to him, two groups throughout the Armenian Diaspora show two kinds of attitude.

“The first is in deep despair. They seem to be getting ready for their Homeland’s funeral. The other group, mostly young people – and the Sardarapat movement reckons itself among them – accept the reality as a challenge and is getting ready for a strategic struggle which is to give rise to the long-awaited Armenian State, which will set an example to the humanity,” Sefilyan said.