VIDEO: Azerbaijan's Appetite Grows. Armenia's Border After the November 9 Declaration

The 44-day war that began on September 27 ended on November 9 with a ceasefire declaration signed by the leaders of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan. With the joint statement by Putin, Pashinyan, and Aliyev, a new status quo was established not only in Artsakh but also in Armenia. The regions of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, and Gegharkunik became adjacent to Azerbaijan. Thus, the state's borders of Armenia extended several hundred kilometers.

The border demarcations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are based on Soviet-era maps, as these maps are legally approved by both countries and raise no questions. Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan are involved in the border precision work using GPS devices. This process is not yet complete.

The border demarcations caused panic among the public, raising doubts about the security of residents in Syunik and other border communities. As it became clear on May 12, these concerns were valid. Reports surfaced about the advance of Azerbaijanis in the vicinity of Ishkhanasar in Syunik. It was said that a clash had occurred between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, with gunfire reported and injuries reported.

Information about gunfire and injuries was officially denied. While Syunik Governor Melikset Poghosyan was trying to convince that the Azerbaijanis had gotten lost in Syunik, the Ministry of Defense confirmed the news of the enemy's incursion into Syunik based on fake maps on the same day. Later, it became clear that our state border had been violated not only in Syunik but also in Gegharkunik. Residents reported that since May 13, the enemy had advanced approximately 2 km into the areas of Kut and Verin Shorja.

The Azerbaijanis approached and instructed the shepherd of the village to gather his livestock and leave. In both Syunik and Gegharkunik, Azerbaijan has re-deployed its forces. On May 13, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during a cabinet meeting and then at a Security Council session that Azerbaijani forces had penetrated up to 3.5 kilometers in the area of Lake Sevan.

To illustrate the situation we find ourselves in, it should be noted that the border village of Akner in Syunik is only 9 km away from the Azerbaijani border in a straight line, while now it is just 5.5 km. According to expert circles, the opponent is attempting to gain control over Lake Sevan, occupy high positions from which they could target all of Syunik directly. Some assert that Aliyev is trying to implement the Zangezur corridor plan, which he has openly declared.

Armenia has officially appealed to the CSTO for consultations. Pashinyan also reached out to Russia regarding military assistance. To date, troubling news from the borders continues to circulate, including reports that around 30 soldiers are trapped on Armenian soil, despite the Ministry's denials, residents are vocal about this.

The Ministry of Defense also confirmed reports of clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani border guards in Gegharkunik. The situation is extremely tense. Azerbaijani soldiers who have breached unstructured and unpatrolled areas of Armenian territory refuse to return to their original positions. Negotiations conducted in a trilateral format yield no results.

It is noteworthy that according to Soviet maps, most of Lake Sevan is on Armenian territory. This has also been confirmed by the Russian side, as the maps presented by the representative of the 102nd military base coincided with the Armenian side's maps during negotiations. The same is true for online maps. Regardless of all this, the enemy has continued to remain on the territory of the Republic of Armenia for ten days, and seemingly, tries to provoke a clash.

Agreements that require Azerbaijan to withdraw have not been fulfilled; moreover, Azerbaijanis have already refused to show up for negotiations. The Armenian Ministry of Defense stated that if the Azerbaijani military present in Armenia does not leave the territory within reasonable time frames, the Armenian armed forces will do so by force if necessary.

The expected assistance from the CSTO has not materialized; instead, Russia announced its readiness to mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding territorial issues and border demarcation. On May 20, the Prime Minister confirmed news circulating the day before about a new document. According to reports, Armenia is again preparing to concede territories, with the Prime Minister insisting that he will sign it as it serves the state’s interests. For more details, watch the video.