The Situation is at Least Near-Crisis, if Not Crisis: Nikol Pashinyan

With the leadership of Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, an extraordinary meeting of the Security Council has taken place to discuss the situation created in the area of Lake Sev in the Syunik province and the subsequent steps.

Nikol Pashinyan noted in his remarks, “Today’s Security Council meeting is dedicated to the events occurring in the area of Lake Sev in Syunik province and the surrounding territories. This morning, the armed forces of Azerbaijan crossed the state border of the Republic of Armenia in that area and advanced up to 3.5 kilometers, essentially attempting to encircle Lake Sev. Of course, these actions are intolerable for the Republic of Armenia, as they are an infringement on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. It is certainly a topic for separate discussion as to why and how such an act has been made possible, but it must be recorded that this is essentially a diversionary incursion.”

“It should also be noted that the Armed Forces of Armenia have responded to the events occurring since early morning, necessary tactical movements and other actions have been carried out. However, it is important to record that the actions of the Azerbaijani armed forces have not been accompanied by gunfire or any other use of weapons, and they are trying to justify their actions with some maps that, upon our initial examination, are fictitious and false, as we still possess the maps established during the Soviet era reflecting the borders between Soviet Armenia and Soviet Azerbaijan, which clearly show how the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan runs.”

“Nevertheless, the created situation is unacceptable; the Republic of Armenia cannot simply reconcile itself to the existing situation. However, considering the situation, our primary program is to solve this problem through negotiations, as well as diplomatic means. But this is one of the options.”

“I want to clearly state that we cannot tolerate or reconcile ourselves to the created situation in any way; and today we must discuss the current situation and our future actions, possible scenarios, and the existing internal connections between these scenarios in the Security Council meeting.”

“I find it necessary to emphasize that as was unfortunately to be expected, the situation has also become an occasion for domestic political manipulation. I want to once again call for external security-related situations not to be attempted to be used for domestic political purposes because this is a national security issue, and in this situation, we need to focus on the problem and its solution.”

“Once again, I want to state that the reports regarding shootings, skirmishes, hostilities, wounded, and casualties have no relation to reality; on the other hand, it must be noted that the situation is at least near-crisis if not crisis. And if it were not, we would not have grounds to convene a Security Council meeting. However, in any case, in this situation, we need to maintain calmness, on the other hand, it is necessary to be consistent in terms of the protection of our state and national interests, and we also need to make decisions today regarding our actions and future instruments.”