Tell Pashinyan to be attentive: Armen Ashotyan

On Friday, the European Union published its annual report on relations with Azerbaijan, which understandably deserves attention in Armenia as well. This was stated by the Vice President of the Republican Party of Armenia, Armen Ashotyan, on his Facebook page.

In his post, Ashotyan added:

“I am confident that the current government and the majority in the National Assembly have not read it. It is just as well. Our newly appointed officials are busy with more important matters, for example, what kind of relationships exist between the digestive systems of frogs and sheep.”

Analyzing the EU-Azerbaijan annual report, I would like to briefly note:

1. The preparation of a new agreement with Azerbaijan is entering the final stage. Someone tell Pashinyan to pay attention to the wording regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in that text so that it does not contradict the agreements signed with Armenia.
2. Unfortunately, the EU is softening its stance on human rights issues in Azerbaijan. Tell your prime minister that the “velvet democratic” morsels soon will not be sustainable at all.
3. Regarding the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh, the EU reaffirms its full support for the Minsk Group. There is no emphasis on territorial integrity, contrary to Azerbaijani propaganda.
4. The EU continues to show interest in Azerbaijan's gas capabilities within the framework of the Southern Gas Corridor. Europeans expect that this year’s launch of Shah Deniz 2 will increase the volumes of Azerbaijani gas exports, which should reach the EU by 2020. Azerbaijan's gas reserves are estimated at 2.6 trillion cubic meters. Tell the government to be very careful, especially concerning relations with Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania.”