Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador Arman Melikyan about Araik Harutyunyan
– There is a tense situation in Sotk; the Armenian side has victims and wounded. What do you think? Is this another provocation by Azerbaijan, or do you see a danger of large-scale military operations?
– After the 44-day war, there are no signs of a change in the tactics of Azerbaijani military provocations and occupation of separate territories along the borders of Armenia. Baku will not go to a new large-scale war right now. Inciting clashes on the front line is a tried and tested method of depressing the societies, affecting the internal life of Armenia and Artsakh and their relations, and it is used regularly.
– The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, submitted his resignation to the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh. How would you interpret what is happening in Artsakh and further developments? Araik Harutyunyan’s move is considered by many to be tantamount to state treason. Is the reason for this resignation the pressure of political forces in Artsakh, or is there another question?
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-Arayik Harutyunyan himself is obliged to publicly give an articulate, well-founded explanation to the fellow citizens who elected him why he is leaving the position he wanted three years ago. He is not a gamer; he thought of becoming the president, became, and then thought of leaving the position, writing an application and leaving.
It is his personal responsibility, and it is his responsibility to clarify the reasons for leaving, especially since during the three years of his tenure, unprecedented military and political failures occurred, of which he, at least, was a part.
– Do you see a danger that chaos will arise in the administration system in Artsakh with the President’s resignation?
– The management system will not become worse than it was until now. It is another matter that the developments will deepen the rift between official Yerevan and Stepanakert, between their ruling and pro-government political elites.
– Azerbaijan’s goal is to open the Akna-Stepanakert road. Many people say that it will become a way of suicide for Artsakh. However, it seems that the noose tightens around. What solutions do you see from the current situation?
– It is incorrect to discuss the opening of the Akna-Stepanakert road separately. However, I have said publicly several times that if state border guard checkpoints and customs service offices are located on that road and other roads leaving Artsakh, appropriate stamps are put on the passports of those who leave, then it will mean that the people of Artsakh are the owners of their statehood, and they will also consider that in Baku. But for that, the system of state administration of Artsakh must be changed. It is just one example of a political solution to the existing problem, but the possibilities are much more.
– At the last session of the UN Security Council, Moscow expressed a clear position: Aghdam can be considered an alternative route, while according to the agreement of November 9, 2020, the Lachin corridor should remain under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Why did Russia’s position change like this?
– This behavior arises from the requirements of the geopolitical project implemented by Moscow, which is also aimed at separating the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh. Permanent work in this direction has been started for a long time and has been consistently carried out for at least the last decade. Unfortunately, during this period, the rulers of Yerevan and Artsakh ignored all the warnings, and the case led to a nationwide disaster.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
“Aravot” daily, 02.09.2023
