The Surrender of Artsakh Led to the Current Situation in Syunik: Zohrabyan

The surrender of Artsakh has led to the current situation in Syunik, as stated by NA (National Assembly) member Naira Zohrabyan from the Prosperous Armenia faction.

“Azerbaijani forces have advanced in Syunik and Gegharkunik. There is currently a tense situation in Shorja. Just a moment ago, the community leader conveyed information. I spoke with the mayor of Goris; the situation is tense. Where is the Minister of Defense? I understand he is having lunch on Northern Avenue, probably too busy to be here and answer crucial questions. The Prime Minister recently declared from this podium that there are no problems with the fortification of the front line and that it is ideally equipped. Where was our army? Where were our forces, that 250 representatives of the Azerbaijani armed forces crossed the state border of Armenia without firing a single shot, strolling and taking over the strategically significant area of the Sevan Lake, which is a water resource used by Goris and nine other nearby settlements?” she emphasized.

She noted that currently Goris and Sisian are directly under Azerbaijani targets. Zohrabyan questioned the whereabouts of our army, which failed to inform us that representatives of the Azerbaijani armed forces had crossed our state border.

“The governor insisted until the last moment that there is no risk or danger, that the Azerbaijanis are disoriented and will probably leave. The NSS (National Security Service) was spreading alarming statements, blaming us for not spreading panic, assuring that everything is under control, and it was only in a Security Council meeting that we learned the situation is critical. Just earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister declared that we must be prepared for potentially the worst developments. Today, we are essentially five steps away from a war in Syunik, and there are no responsible individuals here who can answer important questions in a closed or open regime,” Zohrabyan asserted.

The MP also asked the Deputy Foreign Minister why the 250 Azerbaijanis are not detained as diversants, considering they crossed the state border of the Republic of Armenia. “I also ask you to answer this question. Yesterday, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging us not to panic, advising to be realistic, and saying that everything is happening according to the agreement signed on November 10. Please explain, did the agreement include encroachments on Armenia’s sovereignty or its state border? What kind of map is this that they are trying to rectify the Republic of Armenia's state border, and even now their military presence is increasing?”