After the session of the Supreme Body of the RPA, as a response to the statements of Azerbaijan, the Spokesman of the Republican Party of Armenia, Eduard Sharmazanov, referring to the events taking place in Artsakh in days and the likely war said that as soon as no ultimate peace contract is in place and as soon as Azerbaijan rejects the right of Artsakh people to self-determination, theoretically scenarios of war are likely: “That Azerbaijani Vice President of Milli Majlis does not exclude the resolution of the issue via armed force, this is already a signal not only for us but, first and foremost, to the international community. And as surprising and strange it is, we have not heard any certain and addressed statement by the international community.”
He said that for the RPA Artsakh issue is the top issue and Artsakh fight is sacred: “The leaders of our party, starting from Ashot Navasardyan, Andranik Margaryan, our beloved Vazgen Sargsyan and with the lead of Serzh Sargsyan, have stood at the core of that fight and not by words, but actions. And whatever status we have – opposition or authority, we will support the full realization of the right of Artsakh people to self-determination, that is – building Artsakh of Artsakh people’s and our dreams, meaning free and independent, national-democratic Artsakh. Is there a reason for worrying? Of course there is. The statements of Azerbaijan and Turkey are concerning. By saying that he is also the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Mr Cavusoglu said that they directly try to be included in that issue and that inclusion is going to have exceptionally negative significance in this process.”
Eduard Sharmazanov reminded of the statements of Pakistan and Turkey in April War days: “They were the only countries which made 5 official statements during the 4 days of April War whereby they supported Azerbaijan’s criminal and terrorist actions against the peaceful residents of Artsakh.”
The Spokesman of RPA added that now more than ever we need a “stable and united Artsakh, all people should unite around the President of Artsakh, all of us should gather around the incumbent authorities of Artsakh. I say this also as a Member of Parliament. Enough of labeling our leadership, I have said that Pashinyan is not the Prime Minister of my dreams, but if he undertakes steps aimed at the solution of Artsakh people’s security, pro-Armenian settlement of Artsakh issue, I will stand by his side, naturally. There is no opposition and authority in pan-Armenian issues. This is the position of the Republicans.”
Sharmazanov also said that when they resigned, they have mentioned a row of priority questions: Artsakh issue, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the development of the relations with Russia and the EAEU and other states, the preservation of our value system, army-building and security: “If Pashinyan’s government takes a step back, we will naturally criticize very strictly. If a progress is in place, we will not only defend but also encourage. We are a pro-state and constructive opposition. We are not going to use any motive for criticizing the new authorities and the issues of Artsakh and Genocide are not going to be means for us to win cheap dividends. Artsakh issue is the most important issue standing before the whole Armenian nation. For that a strong, unified and stable Artsakh is needed.”
Lusine BUDAGHYAN
