For Armenia, the 'Red Line' in the Artsakh Issue is the Right to Self-Determination of the People of Artsakh - Prime Minister

The Armenian side's 'red line' in the Artsakh issue is the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination, emphasized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in an interview with Russia Today in response to questions about compromises. Is there a boundary that the Armenian side will not retreat from?

Nikol Pashinyan (Prime Minister of Armenia) stated, "Armenia has been ready for such compromises at all times. The most notable initiative was in Kazan, when Armenia was ready for a specific compromise. But Azerbaijan refused to sign agreements because it did not want and does not want to recognize the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination. This is a boundary for us, a 'red line' that we cannot cross."

According to Prime Minister Pashinyan, specific steps have been agreed upon in the Moscow statement regarding a humanitarian ceasefire to restore the negotiation process. Pashinyan noted, "That specific agreement describes concrete steps, and we are ready to take such steps to resolve the issue of Artsakh. We are ready for such compromises, we are ready for commensurate compromises that Azerbaijan is also prepared for."

The Defense Army of Artsakh provides protection. The plans of Turkey and Azerbaijan to take control of Artsakh through a blitzkrieg have currently failed. The existence of mercenaries and terrorists fighting for Azerbaijan is being discussed worldwide. Pashinyan stated, "These video evidences are published. It is evident that Turkey is the main patron of this war. Turkey has hired these militant terrorists and transported them to the conflict zone. The decision to attack Artsakh has been made by Turkey's directive and sponsorship."

The reason, according to the Armenian leader, is clear: the Azerbaijani army is incapable of fighting against the self-defense army of Artsakh on its own. Recently, militants have been eliminated in Chechnya and Dagestan, and there are reports that they had arrived from abroad. Pashinyan sees a connection in this process: "Militants from Syria have been transferred by Turkey to the Artsakh conflict zone to start a war against Artsakh, and now they have begun to appear in the North Caucasus. This is a significant fact that shows that this situation is no longer just about the Artsakh conflict but has transcended its limits in a local sense."

The Prime Minister elaborated that the principles mentioned in the Moscow agreement include the right to self-determination of peoples, non-use of force or threat of force, and territorial integrity. Pashinyan stated, "During the negotiation process, it became evident that different parties interpret these principles differently. And now we find ourselves in a situation where one of these very important principles has already been violated. I have already spoken about the non-use of force or threat of force for resolving the Artsakh issue."

The Armenian leader's desire is to resolve the conflict finally based on compromises, finding acceptable solutions for all parties. The aspirations of Ankara are clear. Pashinyan stated, "For Turkey, this is a pragmatic aim. Not an emotional, but a pragmatic aim because the Armenians of the South Caucasus are the last obstacle for Turkey towards the north, east, and southeast expansion. I am confident that this is a continuation of Turkey's imperial policy following the well-known events of the early 20th century. After these events, Turkey has returned to the South Caucasus to continue its genocidal policies."