Pashinyan on Soviet Influence Shaping Armenian Views
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan explained that deep-seated perceptions Armenians have about Turkey and Azerbaijan were heavily influenced by Soviet propaganda.
“When we say, ‘A Turk never changes,’ they say the same about Armenians in Turkey. When we say, ‘How can we trust Azerbaijan?’, they say the same about Armenians. When we say, ‘We have learned nothing from history,’ they respond: ‘You’ve learned nothing from history if you want peace with Armenians.’”
Pashinyan emphasized that Armenian society needs to "free itself from the worldview that was shaped for us by KGB agents."
Impact of Historical Narratives
The prime minister highlighted how mutual stereotypes and distrust between Armenians, Turks, and Azerbaijanis persist due to opposing narratives deeply rooted in their histories and propaganda.
Need for a New Perspective
He called for Armenian society to move beyond the inherited narratives, suggesting that overcoming these entrenched views is essential for progress and peace in the region.
Author's summary: Nikol Pashinyan stresses that enduring stereotypes about Turks and Azerbaijanis among Armenians stem from Soviet-era propaganda, urging a break from these imposed worldviews.