“In my opinion, there are secret agreements, maybe also signed documents, which not only the public is not aware of, but also, probably, the political elite is not aware of, and we get surprises on various occasions.” “Aravot” interlocutor David Ishkhanyan, member of the ARF faction of the Artsakh National Assembly and member of the ARF Bureau, about the Azerbaijani advance in the Tegh-Kornidzor sector.
– It is the fourth month of the blockade of Artsakh; what is the situation in Artsakh, and what kind of moods are they in decline?
– However, at present, it cannot be stated that the low mood is completely ruling, but, in general, there is a particular psychological state in which we should draw appropriate conclusions.
– Suppose we try to describe the situation in a more accessible way. In that case, Armenia does not want to fulfill its obligations, Russia is unable to, and against their background, Azerbaijan promotes its whims. For example, two days ago, they violated the agreement with the peacekeepers and banned the entry of 27 Artsakh residents to Artsakh, demanding that they “accept Azerbaijani citizenship” to enter Artsakh. Where does this road lead?
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– That incident was just a tiny episode, and the Azerbaijani side once again showed that it has no intention of abandoning its adopted policy. That episodic picture fully revealed that the Azerbaijani side is constantly tightening its approaches, assuming a more aggressive policy day by day. If we compare the dynamics of the past two years, we see how Azerbaijan Azerbaijan has tightened its approaches day by day. As for the authorities of Armenia and the Armenian side, I cannot say that the Armenian side did not make an effort. For example, some work has been done in essential international courts, the UN Security Council, and The Hague Court.
But more is needed. We see that the policy pursued by the Armenian authorities is not consistent; it is not entirely aimed at ensuring our shared ideas and perceptions, and, unfortunately, we are also aware of the relations between the Artsakh authorities and the Armenian authorities, the issues under discussion, we see that the Armenian authorities do not take profound approaches showing. All of that is also evident from the views expressed by the Prime Minister of Armenia in various ways, during the discussions in the parliament sometimes, from the behavior of the ruling political force and the theses presented by them. They are trying to leave all the responsibility on the Russian side. I do not want to justify the approaches of the Russian side. The Russian side has its mission and duty, but both sides should consider all this. Armenia should also deepen its efforts.
– Therefore, will we escalate relations and push Russia out of the region?
– We see that not only concerning the Artsakh issue but in general, the West is pursuing a clear policy to push out the Russian element in the region. The main support points for Russia are Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh. Turkey and Azerbaijan are supporters of the policy adopted by the West and are making great efforts to push out the Russian element. And in that political process, Artsakh and the people of Artsakh may find themselves in a rather tricky situation. its bitter fruits we receive. We have already received several slaps; we can get another slap. The first “beneficiary” of this process is Artsakh and the people of Artsakh.
– In this context, what new situation has the Azerbaijani advance and positioning in the Tegh-Kornidzor sector created, and what is the danger?
– It is undeniable that there are agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which come to the surface on different occasions. In the Tegh-Kornidzor sector, a new situation has been created in connection with the operation of the new road and the movement of troops; why not, as a result of the withdrawal? The whole secret is buried in the opinion expressed by the Prime Minister of Armenia that border guard troops will be deployed in that area. In other words, the question arises: what is the mission of those border guard troops to be deployed there, are the borders adjusted, and the border guard troops must provide the rest? Are there certain agreements about non-aggression, relying on which the Prime Minister of Armenia directly deploys border guard troops in that part, and whose border – Azerbaijan or the Nagorno Karabakh Republic? Again, there are secret agreements, maybe even signed documents, which not only the public is not aware of, but also the political elite is probably not aware of, and we get surprises on various occasions.
Interview: Nelly GRIGORYAN
“Aravot” daily, 04.07.2023
