Erdogan is Arming Azerbaijanis, Desiring Another Genocide: Interview with the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gave an interview to Italy's largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera. Based on the interview, the following article is presented.

Pashinyan points out, “Erdogan is arming the Azerbaijanis because he desires another genocide,” and continues, “He has sent Syrian jihadists here to fight; we have evidence.”

“Are the Turks in Vienna? This can happen again.” While the ceasefire with Azerbaijan, achieved through Moscow’s mediation, “stumbles loudly” in place, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan uses hyperbole but immediately gets to the point. Previously a journalist and charismatic opposition figure, he was elected prime minister two years ago after protests filled the streets.

Pashinyan has just returned from the frontlines, where he visited soldiers. Since September 27, fighting along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has not stopped, and anti-aircraft signals continue to sound over the capital of Artsakh, Stepanakert. A fragile ceasefire was concluded a week ago, but it has not stopped the bombs and drones, nor silenced the rhetoric of war.

There are over 660 casualties among military personnel and civilians from the Armenian side.

Corriere della Sera - Baku accuses you of striking Ganja again, while you accuse Azerbaijan of bombarding Stepanakert and nearby villages. Both sides speak of crimes against humanity. Where is the truth?

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - In the South Caucasus, Turkey is advancing the same strategy it has adopted against Greece and Cyprus in the Mediterranean, or in Libya, Syria, and Iraq. This is expansionist policy. During the ceasefire negotiations, Turkish President Erdogan said he did not want Azerbaijan to stop fighting. This conflict would not have started without Turkey's intervention. It was Turkey that encouraged Azerbaijan to attack Artsakh. Turkish troops are participating in the assaults. But not only that: Azerbaijanis are using jihadist fighters brought from Syria. They are terrorists sent by the Turks.

Corriere della Sera - Do you have evidence about the use of those militants?

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - Yes, we have jihadist propaganda videos geolocated in the areas of combat. As well as the bodies of some of them. There is no doubt about it. The evidence has already been published. It has been possible to analyze the footage through a special program and identify where those recordings were made. It is now an established fact that they were brought to the frontlines during hostilities. The Syrian terrorists filmed those videos themselves, which later appeared online and spread. This evidence has been officially recognized by Russia, France, and other countries. The purpose is clear. The Turks desire another genocide against the Armenian people. I ask myself and the international community; what kind of ceasefire can we conclude with these terrorists? We are under attack; we need to defend ourselves like any nation facing extermination.

Corriere della Sera - What actions should the European Union take to stop the conflict?

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - There is only one way to end military operations, and that is the international recognition of Artsakh’s principle of “separation for salvation.” There is no other option. Otherwise, Armenians in regions controlled by Azerbaijan will face ethnic cleansing because Armenians are the last obstacle to Turkish expansion towards the northeast and southeast.

Corriere della Sera - A group of intellectuals, athletes, and politicians in Italy signed a declaration of solidarity with Armenia. Is that enough?

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan - Several foreign journalists came here, but we did not see representatives of foreign diplomatic missions. From Italy, I expect recognition that Turkey has sent mercenaries and troops to Azerbaijan. But not only that. The population of Artsakh is the victim of a serious humanitarian crisis, which the international community and Italy must take into account. Because if the Azerbaijani army returns to the region, no Armenian will be saved.