There is little possibility that there will be a new military conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) because Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev believes that by enervating the people of Artsakh, he will reach his maximum interest: the Syunik Province of Armenia. Former Prime Minister of Armenia Hrant Bagratyan stated about this at a press conference Thursday.
"I propose the leadership of Artsakh to announce several things. First, the policy of Armenia’s authorities is unacceptable for them. Second, those announcing a position today on behalf of the authorities [of Armenia] cannot speak on behalf of the Armenian people; they should be removed [from power]. Third, Artsakh will be defended until the end. Fourth, Artsakh was a part of the Russian Empire within the Soviet Union, and it sees a solution from Russia, not the US. Fifth, the state agencies, officials of the Republic of Armenia should stop criticizing the Russians. Sixth, the fourth and fifth presidents of Armenia are traitors. I am confident that the former presidents of Artsakh, the former presidents of the National Assembly, some businessmen have remained in Artsakh and will still have their say," said Bagratyan.
In his view, the real objective of the West is not to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, but to remove Russia from the region.
"I assume the West advises [Armenia’s PM Nikol] Pashinyan to recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. And he announces this and tells Aliyev, ‘You also announce our territorial integrity,’ but he receives a combination of three fingers. The Russians think that if their troops have to stay in Artsakh, then only with the people of Artsakh. If it is populated by Azerbaijanis, what is the point of their staying [in Artsakh]? Actually, Artsakh is a pretext for Aliyev; his ultimate goal is [the] Syunik [Province of Armenia]. Nikol is afraid of Syunik because if he says Artsakh was not ours, then Syunik was the territory of Armenia proper. But I believe that Artsakh will not be swallowed up, the people of Artsakh will fight, and Armenia will help, not Nikol Pashinyan. Nikol doesn't know the people of Artsakh well; they won't surrender," said Armenia's ex-premier.
