Armenian President Proposes Compromise, Faces Backlash
WarEcho Team news
President Ter-Petrosyan proposes phased solution for Karabakh, triggering political crisis and his eventual resignation
Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan shocked the nation by proposing a phased solution to the Karabakh conflict involving territorial concessions, triggering fierce opposition that would lead to his resignation.
The Proposal
Ter-Petrosyan suggested:
- Return occupied territories (except Lachin)
- Defer Karabakh status decision
- International security guarantees
- Phased implementation
- Economic normalization
Rationale
President’s arguments:
- Armenia economically exhausted
- International isolation growing
- Time not on Armenia’s side
- Compromise necessary
- War could resume
Fierce Opposition
Critics charged:
- Betrayal of victory
- Abandoning Karabakh
- Capitulation to pressure
- Security risks
- No guarantees
Opposition leaders:
- Robert Kocharyan (Karabakh)
- Vazgen Sargsyan (Defense)
- Serzh Sargsyan (Security)
Political Crisis
- Mass protests organized
- Media campaign against
- Military opposition
- Coalition fractured
- Governance paralyzed
Resignation
February 1998:
- Ter-Petrosyan resigns
- Kocharyan becomes president
- Hard-line policy returns
- Compromise rejected
Historical Significance
Showed:
- Difficulty of compromise
- Power of hard-liners
- Victory narrative strength
- Democratic deficits
Lost Opportunity?
Debate continues:
- Best deal available?
- Could have prevented 2020?
- Realistic assessment?
- Or premature surrender?
Policy Reversal
New leadership:
- Rejected phased approach
- Demanded package deal
- Hardened positions
- Negotiations stalled
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