Iran's collapse would lead to chaos far beyond region, Armenian MP warns

MP Armen Gevorgyan of the opposition Hayastan faction addressed the PACE winter session on Thursday. His full remarks are provided below.

"Dear colleagues,

The Middle East has, for Armenia, not only a geopolitical, but also a profound civilisational dimension. Armenia is connected to this region not only by geography, but also by the fates of hundreds of thousands of Armenians.

Armenian communities are an organic part of the historical fabric of the Middle East. They have become key elements of the modern identity of the region and bridges between civilisations, religions, and cultures. They demonstrate that religious and national diversity can be a source of stability and prosperity rather than conflict.

However, the instability of recent decades has led to a sharp decline in the Armenian presence. This is an alarming signal: the disappearance of Armenian communities would mean not only a tragedy for the Armenian people, but also the loss of a vital layer of the region's historical and cultural heritage.

Dear colleagues,

To build sustainable states and genuine peace, to prevent further radicalisation, and to preserve cultural diversity and protect national minorities in the Middle East, it is crucial to ensure the stability and coherent development of Iran and Syria.

The collapse of these states would lead to chaos far beyond the region, triggering new waves of self-determination movements and an inevitable revision of national borders. In such a scenario, we would no longer be speaking about the protection of minority rights, but about preventing the disintegration of existing states.

It is clear that some key decisions will be made outside the Middle East, but it will be the people of the broader region, including in the Republic of Armenia, who will have to live with their consequences. That is why we must assess the situation as realistically as possible and take the most cautious steps to reduce tensions.

Thank you very much."