The interlocutor of Aravot.am is former Deputy Minister of Defense Artak Zakaryan
– At the press conference, Nikol Pashinyan stated that RA does not find it appropriate to conduct CSTO military exercises in Armenia because the area of responsibility of CSTO is unknown. In such a situation, military exercises can threaten the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem. How do you qualify such a statement? What additional problems can the refusal to hold CSTO military exercises cause for Armenia?
– Not holding CSTO military exercises in Armenia will not give anything to Armenia. It is another reasonable suspicion that the so-called authorities are serving Turkish-Azerbaijani interests. Especially since, according to Nikol, it was not held so that Azerbaijan would not feel a threat against it. The exercise should aim to counter the military operations of a potential enemy.
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It is clear who the possible opponents of Armenia and CSTO in our region are. Nikol was afraid even to organize a joint military exercise with the CSTO, not considering that Russian military units were stationed in Artsakh and Armenia. And when Turkish-Azerbaijani military activities are conducted, the target of which is Armenia, why doesn’t official Yerevan react against it?
– Nikol Pashinyan also said that against the background of the Ukrainian war, Baku generates sentiments in the West that the military cooperation between Armenia and Russia is a threat to Azerbaijan. And according to Pashinyan, in these conditions, when Azerbaijan carries out aggression against Armenia and Russia does not respond, it turns out that the Russian military presence in Armenia is not a guarantee of RA security but a threat. How will you interpret this announcement? What possible steps will follow this?
– There is no need to comment on this. It means one thing: Nikol does not understand anything about threats to the state’s security, or Nikol is the main threat to our state’s security. There are no alternative steps possible. The West has made it clear to Nikol that it is necessary to come under the mercy of Turkey; otherwise, you have no alternative to the CSTO and Russia. The West has not prepared and will not be the real guarantor of the security of RA and Artsakh, except for verbal statements.
– What is the road map of the opposition?
– The road map of the opposition is more than evident; to change the “authorities” of the country, to get a chance to be fully informed about the negotiation process and the many oral promises that have taken place. To evaluate the external and internal threats and the current opportunities (there are many of them) and to proceed to the complicated and responsible work of forming a new security environment for RA and Artsakh. It should be implemented through pan-Armenian potential, dedicated people, independent of external forces, and people with a great experience.
– Something that still doesn’t work.
– Yes, but there is practically no other option. Miracles do not happen.
Interview by Nelly GRIGORYAN
