Armenia and Greece Are Determined to Respond to Actions Threatening Their Interests: Armenian Foreign Minister

Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan provided an interview to the Greek ‘MEGA TV’ news channel, addressing the escalation of tensions at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Turkey's response to it, the conversion of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a mosque, and the friendly relations between Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus.

Here is the unofficial Armenian translation of the interview as presented by Armenpress:

Question: How is Armenia responding to the fact that Turkey is practically providing Azerbaijan with weapons, personnel, and funds?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: The only country that has been speaking the language of threat during these two weeks is Turkey. We will defend ourselves, we will strengthen our defense, and we will cooperate with our international partners.

Question: Some analysts argue that the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is actually a veil for the growing competition between Russia and Turkey.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: We are a sovereign state, a member of the international community. We need peace and security in this region. We have no need to turn this region into an object of international competition.

Question: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan speaks of attacking outside Armenia's borders.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: This is precisely the language that we reject; it is the language of threat derived from the policy pursued by a state living in denial and impunity. Recently, we also witnessed the justification of genocidal crimes. This is not the way a people wishes to contribute to peace in the region.

Question: Turkey is actually trying to recreate a state based on neo-Ottomanism with wider territory.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Greece is taking active steps in the direction of peace and stability in this region. Armenia is pursuing similar objectives.

Question: The Islamic prayer was once again heard at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: The transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is indeed a threat to the symbol of harmony, dialogue, and mutual respect.

Question: How do you assess Turkey's provocations towards Greece?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: I would like to reaffirm our strong support and solidarity with Greece and Cyprus. This is an action aimed at destabilizing the Eastern Mediterranean, further proving the very aggressive policy that Turkey has been consistently pursuing lately.

Question: If Turkey and Greece are drawn into armed conflict, will Armenia express solidarity with Greece?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: I do not see any circumstances that could disrupt or put into question the very strong solidarity, very strong relations, and equally strong friendship that exist between Armenia and Greece. We are determined to respond to such actions that threaten our interests and our sovereign rights.