The authorities and their propagandists have a “wonderful” explanation to avoid responsibility for the recent Azerbaijani aggression, the casualties, and the wounded. “We are not the owners of Artsakh. The Russians are to blame for everything. Demand an answer from their peacekeepers as well.” That explanation is only partially true. Indeed, if the Russians were categorically against this activity from Azerbaijan, it is unlikely that Aliyev would undertake this latest attack. But I am sure that the Armenian government actually continues to be responsible for the lives and safety of our compatriots living in Artsakh, but with its unclear and uncertain position contributes to the deepening of the disaster.
If we had a responsible government and not just rhetoricians using “linguistic dexterity,” then perhaps it would make sense to ask the following questions. In the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020, it is said about the new road connecting Armenia and Artsakh: “With the agreement of the parties, the plan for the construction of a new route in the Lachin Corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh will be decided in the next three years.” Was there any other, additional, written, or oral agreement reached at the same time or since then that now needs to be implemented? If there is such an agreement, is there a schedule for the construction and operation of the new road, do the parties follow that schedule or do they violate it? Can we be afraid that the existing road will be closed and a rocky, uncomfortable road will be built instead, like some parts of the Goris-Kapan alternative road?
On June 27, the Prime Minister announced in his Facebook press conference that the city of Berdzor, as well as the villages of Aghavno and Sus, will be transferred to Azerbaijan, referring to the surrender of that road and the construction of a new one. However, Pashinyan did not specify when this will happen. Yesterday, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan stated in an interview to “Armenpress” that Azerbaijan’s demand to organize the traffic connecting Artsakh with Armenia by another route instead of Lachin Corridor is not legitimate because there is no approved plan. Was it worth it to announce more than a month ago about handing over the road, if there was no and to this day there is no approved plan?
…I repeat, I think that the Armenian government is responsible for Artsakh and the people of Artsakh. I do not rule out that the ruling electorate does not share my opinion. I also assume that the government itself does not feel any responsibility for the new victims and territorial losses we have had after November 2020. But in that case, let it officially and clearly state: “We have no business with Artsakh, Russia deals with that business. Please address all grievances to the Russians.” It seems to me that this would be a more honest position than complaining about Russian peacekeepers through propagandists.
Read also
Aram Abrahamyan
