Secret Connections and Negotiations Between Armenia and Turkey Are Not in Our Country's Interests: Ishkhan Saghatelyan

On September 26, a rally and commemoration march will be held from Garegin Nzhdeh Square in memory of our heroes. This was stated by Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a deputy from the 'Armenia' faction and vice president of the National Assembly, during a briefing with journalists.

Commenting on the community consolidation project, Saghatelyan described it as an unconstitutional process. "This is an illegal process because the Constitutional Court's direct requirements have not been fulfilled. There have been no relevant discussions, and the opinions of community residents have not been taken into account. We are not against consolidation, but we oppose the consolidation of communities in such an organizing manner. This is a political process aimed at removing community leaders to promote their political interests," he said.

Saghatelyan noted that there are grievances within the communities, but community leaders and council members lack the courage to go out and express their dissatisfaction, considering the authorities' tactics.

Another reason for not participating in the session, according to Saghatelyan, is the priority of security issues in the country. "The Azerbaijanis have set up a police post on Armenian territory, and Nikol Pashinyan has started a 'love game' with Erdogan. Threats in the country are deepening, and in this context, it is unacceptable to come and participate in this illegal process," he stated.

When asked about the status of the arrangement to hold closed meetings in the National Assembly with the Minister of Defense and the Director of the NSS, Saghatelyan mentioned that although there is an agreement, it has yet to occur due to various trivial reasons.

"At this moment, Armenia is facing a Turkification process, and we have serious concerns related to all this. It was not a coincidence that yesterday Erdogan stated that they are receiving positive signals from Armenia. It is obvious that there are secret connections and negotiations between Armenia and Turkey, and that does not serve Armenia's interests. To Turkey's three preconditions - namely, to renounce Artsakh, the international recognition of the Genocide, and to recognize Turkey's territorial integrity - a fourth has been added: a corridor through Syunik. Which of these conditions are the Armenian authorities ready to meet?"

Talking about the street struggle and some people's disappointment with the opposition, Saghatelyan emphasized: "We are familiar with the opinions of many citizens, people have given us their votes so that through us they can remove these authorities; this has not been fulfilled, and there are grievances. A new unification of the people is necessary, organizing broader masses. We will begin the street struggle because we cannot neutralize the existing threats in the country solely through parliamentary activity. After the 26th, you will see various actions and activities regularly, and starting in October, the deputies of the 'Armenia' faction will begin regional visits."