Azerbaijan's Goal Was to Incite Military Clashes and Transfer Military Operations to Armenia, Says Pashinyan

During his speech in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan termed the events of the past five days as follows: "Let’s talk about how certain circles, which represent themselves as opposition, are doing everything they can to ensure that the Azerbaijani army does not suddenly leave Armenian territory."

"My assessment still remains that the goal of Azerbaijan's actions was to incite border military clashes in the sovereign territory of Armenia, specifically in the narrowest part of Syunik Province, which is 26 km long, and to chain-react these military operations into Armenia's deeper territory. Other events could follow, but there could also be a situation that would complicate correcting it," said Pashinyan.

He noted that after evaluating the situation, the Armenian government decided to resolve the issue through diplomatic means, ensuring that it does not slip out of their hands.

Pashinyan emphasized that there is a consensus among the international community regarding the situation, which documents the illegality of the actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the necessity for them to vacate Armenian territory. "Just moments ago, the European Council adopted a resolution regarding the return of our prisoners of war, and at the last moment, an amendment was made in support of Armenia's territorial integrity. Part of this international consensus is expressed publicly, while another part is recorded at the working level," Pashinyan stated.