Pashinyan's Spokesperson Does Not Deny Proposal to Erdogan via Georgian Counterpart: Manukyan

Following Erdogan's controversial statement, the Armenian government has finally made its first official comment after a day of silence. This was reported by Gegham Manukyan, a member of the National Assembly from the 'Armenia' faction, on his Facebook page.

He specifically noted:
“1. First, through the mouth of Pashinyan's spokesperson, Pashinyan does not deny that he made such a proposal to the Turkish president via his Georgian counterpart. Mane Gevorgyan stated, ‘Prime Minister Pashinyan presents his vision of opening a period of peaceful development for Armenia and the region in all his international communications and expresses the government's readiness to make efforts in that direction.’

“2. Indirectly, Pashinyan accepts Erdogan’s precondition of establishing relations in exchange for granting corridors. I emphasize, CORRIDORS. Because Erdogan used the plural form when referring to corridors in his press conference. Erdogan stated, ‘Thus, I hope that by opening these corridors, this issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be overcome.’ Pashinyan has tacitly accepted Erdogan's precondition according to Mane Gevorgyan’s comment.

“Mane Gevorgyan said, ‘The opening of communications is of exceptional importance for establishing long-term peace and stability in the region and overcoming the atmosphere of hostility that unfortunately exists in the region, and Armenia is determined to move forward in this direction and achieve results.’ There was no word from Pashinyan's spokesperson that such discussions should avoid preconditions.

“3. Finally, the most dangerous thesis in the spokesperson’s comments today. A phrase that warns that Pashinyan will continue his concessionary, treacherous course and is leading the country to a new capitulation, this time with western borders. Mane Gevorgyan stated, ‘Prime Minister Pashinyan has repeatedly mentioned that we need strong nerves on this path, and there are no quick and easy solutions.’ Why do we need strong nerves to withstand national humiliation? Let us remember, in 2005, it was Erdogan who sent a letter to Armenia making a request; now it is Pashinyan who, through others, is secretly begging Erdogan.’