Dear Editor:
Over the past few months I've read in your and other Armenian publications that the Armenian government is seriously considering a plan to exchange Zangezur (Meghri), the southernmost part of the country, for Karabagh (Artsakh) which we possess thanks to the heroic efforts of the Karabagh military forces and Armenian volunteers. Most pressure for such a swap seems to come from the United States. They probably have offered the leaders of Armenia hundreds of millions of dollars, along with dire predictions of Armenia's future, if the Kocharian government refuses to go along. (The "carrot and the stick" approach)

Armenia on its western and eastern borders is confronted with rabid adversaries. Georgia on its north is unpredictable and undependable. They seem to put their lot with the Turkish-Israeli-American alliance. Iran to the south has been a good trading partner with Armenia and is wary of Turkish, Israeli and American designs. The large Armenian community in Iran has been well regarded by the government and people of Iran. They also speak eastern Armenian, which is spoken in Armenia.

It is clear that Armenia's link with a friendly Iran is a great strategic advantage. Vazken Sarkisian and Garen Demirjian, before their shameful assassinations, firmly rejected an exchange of Meghri-Zangezur for Karabagh. Armenia can be an invaluable conduit for rail and pipelines from Iran to Russia. Both nations would prefer this to Turkic control of the region. In a time when energy prices are high and will remain so well into the future, energy-exporting nations like Iran and Russia will get stronger and more able to support a friendly Armenia with economic and, perhaps, military support. Many jobs should result in Armenia from these rail and pipeline links. Armenians from Russia, Ukraine, etc. would move back home, thus reversing the present depopulation with an inflow of young, energetic citizens. China, a nation suspicious of American hegemony in the world, is a natural ally of Russia and Iran to balance the power of America and Europe. Armenia would be much more attractive to Chinese investment opportunities if it remains connected with Iran by its common border and friendly relations.

Without a link to Iran, Armenia would be a rump republic -- completely dependent on Georgia, which is very susceptible to Turkish pressure. America might give continued humanitarian aid, but she has never aided us militarily. Her ally is Turkey. Look at how the Clinton administration defeated the Genocide Resolution in the House of Representatives. In my opinion, giving up Zangezur for Karabagh would be the utmost folly! For a few hundred million dollars (and we can guess where most of it might end up ), priceless Armenian territory would be sold. To my limited understanding of the situation, such a course of action would be extremely shortsighted and tantamount to treason! If the Diaspora and the poor citizens of Armenia have any influence on the rulers of Armenia, they should exercise it before one of the most shameful chapters in Armenia's history is written.

Jack Arisian
Watertown, CT