In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, what situation can Armenia’s initiative to recognize Artsakh’s independence lead to? In response to Aravot’s question at the press conference, the co-author of the initiative, former Prime Minister of Armenia Hrant Bagratyan said that in his estimation a clash of geopolitical interests is taking place in Ukraine and it is Armenia’s task is not to get involved, as both Azerbaijan and Turkey continue to be aggressive towards Armenia.
Hrant Bagratyan wants to believe that a solution will be found in Ukraine quickly, as the overstrain of Russian forces could be dangerous for Armenia. Bagratyan recalled that Artsakh should have been recognized during the April 2016 war. The RPA government did not take that step, Nikol Pashinyan’s government did not go for recognition either, on September 27, 2020.
“Now, many say that if we recognize it, we will damage the November 9 agreement. No, sorry. First, there are three and a half years left until the November 6 agreement. Secondly, we are well aware that some of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs simply do not want to come and work anymore. They refuse to come and meet. The Russian co-chair has repeatedly said that the group should continue its work. I appeal to the other co-chairs, are you there or not? Or did you decide to stop your activities after Aliyev’s famous speech?
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This means that Azerbaijan is leaving the OSCE Minsk Group again and refusing to discuss the situation of those Armenians, especially after seizing significant territories from Artsakh. If there is no political process of recognition, then another war awaits us. Do the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have any logical answers? Tomorrow we will face genocide in Artsakh.
The loss of Artsakh will be followed by the loss of Syunik, or vice versa. And in general, now Turkey and Azerbaijan say they are ready to recognize Armenia under the Alexandropol agreement. Our government is not doing anything, but the Armenians have a justified chance and a wave must rise.” The agreement envisages an Armenia that is 9,000 square kilometers.
Nelly GRIGORYAN
