Recently, in this tense situation, the NA MPs left for Artsakh together with the Defense Minister. They visited the military positions. MP, also former Prime Minister, Hrant Bagratyan, spent the night in the trenches on the Contact line. Aravot.am asked Mr. Bagratyan about his impression and to what extent the situation is troublesome. “The situation is complicated. There is an alarm of pre-war. I hope it would not be further complicated,” responded Mr. Bagratyan. Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliyev, is uttering threats in social networks and Twitter about wiping out Yerevan. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, in its turn, intimidates of wiping out Armenia. Serzh Sargsyan, in his turn, states that we have ballistic missiles, which within a short period of time will turn the flourishing settlement into ruins.
To our question of where these intimidations will take us to, whether it does not aggravate the situation more in this tense situation, Mr. Bagratyan responded, “These threats are not a good thing. However, they are an indicative of one thing. The NKR defense army can destroy Azerbaijan at least one time. Of course, Azerbaijan may destroy us several times. But one time, as they say, is enough. So, at least 2 conclusions: there is a balance (it is very similar to the balance between India and Pakistan with regard to Kashmir conflict. The presence of the nuclear weapon imposes peace on them).
Secondly, it is time for Azerbaijan to understand the situation and enter into negotiations with Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia should also understand that it should not be so much involved in it.” To our question of whether the likelihood for resumption of war is great now, and whether we and Azerbaijan are ready for it, Grant Bagratyan responded, “There is a possibility. Whether big or small, I do not know. This is going to be a new war. War of missiles. This time, the role of infantry, artillery and heavy military equipment would be less important than in early 90s.
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
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Photos by Gagik Shamshyan /www.shamshyan.com
