The Enemy Seeks to Extract All Concessions: "Fact"

The newspaper "Fact" reports that "In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey in 2023, Ankara has begun to pursue an extremely aggressive and expansionist policy. This is determined by Ankara's ambitions to expand its influence in various regions, from Africa to Central Asia and Afghanistan. It is also important to note that the issue of Armenia holds a significant place in Turkish plans.

It is quite clear that Armenia and Artsakh are the primary obstacles preventing Turkey from realizing its pan-Turkic and neo-Ottoman dreams. Therefore, Turkey's excessive interference in the Artsakh issue and its unwavering support for Azerbaijan's aggression are primarily dictated by this reality. It is no coincidence that the current Turkish leadership is making additional efforts to establish a deep-rooted presence in the South Caucasus. Moreover, Erdoğan does not shy away from openly declaring Turkey's objectives.

This is why, in response to Prime Minister Pashinyan's statement about positive signals from Turkey, the President of Turkey responded by setting conditions, the main message being the recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and the current borders between Armenia and Turkey. This, at least publicly, since on the negotiation platform, the Turkish side can put forth new conditions one after another.

However, after Erdoğan presents these preconditions, it is strange that the Armenian side does not declare that talking with Armenia under conditions is unacceptable; instead, Pashinyan bizarrely states during a government meeting that he sees a possibility of discussing the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations and the resumption of the Armenian-Turkish railway and highways. Armenia is ready for such discussions. It creates the impression that in this way, the Armenian side is yielding to Turkish preconditions. However, it is no surprise, as experience shows that everything can be expected from this government.

They are even willing to enter into secret agreements with foreign powers regarding our homeland just to stay in power. Those who still naïvely believe that if they wait a little longer, there will be peace are gravely mistaken, and the hardest times are still ahead. As long as the adversary feels it has the upper hand, they aim to extract all concessions from the Armenian side and obtain everything possible without exception.

In this context, the recent joint military exercises between Turkey and Azerbaijan in Lachin were not a coincidence. These exercises are taking place against the backdrop of public statements from Azerbaijani political circles calling for the closure of the Lachin corridor and the definitive resolution of the Artsakh issue. Thus, this exercise sends a clear message that Turkish-Azerbaijani military units can close the Lachin corridor at any moment. Baku has not even signed the mandate for the deployment of Russian peacekeepers. Meanwhile, the advisor to the Azerbaijani president, Hajiyev, stated that discussions regarding the legal mechanisms for the deployment of peacekeepers are still ongoing.

Essentially, Baku wants to sign a document with the Russian side regarding this issue that excludes the Armenian side, establishing that the peacekeepers must leave after the corresponding period (the sooner for Azerbaijanis). This is the objective behind Baku's ongoing provocations not only along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border but also in Artsakh within the peacekeepers’ responsibility zone. This indicates that Azerbaijan has not reconciled with the presence of peacekeepers and considers all territories of Artsakh to be its own.

However, instead of giving an appropriate response to Baku's actions, Pashinyan announces during the government meeting that Armenia is ready to begin border delimitation and demarcation with Azerbaijan. It is indeed surprising what kind of demarcation is being discussed when the adversary has invaded the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and has not withdrawn.

Moreover, Aliyev states that Zangezur and Lake Sevan are their "historical lands," and in the second phase of the resolution of the situation, they are prepared to return there. We do not think that these statements are made casually; the danger remains that the adversary may continue its advance in Gegharkunik and Syunik. Given the current situation, there is only one way out: to impose peace on the adversary; otherwise, we will never have peace.

To achieve this, society's resilience and spirit must be raised, but instead, the authorities are leading the state to a new disgraceful and humiliating defeat. Representatives of the ruling team still do not realize the seriousness of the moment; their focus is solely on colorful events, shows, and selfies. This has created the impression among the enemy that Armenia has reconciled with defeat, and therefore, pressure on Armenia must continue until the end."