VIDEO: "Do Not Speak with Threats" – Tensions After Seyran Ohanyan’s Speech

The agenda of the National Assembly did not include a draft condemning the "Shushi Declaration" ratified by the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Turkey, as the ruling "Civil Contract" faction abstained from voting.

Leader of the "Armenia" faction Seyran Ohanyan stated that the rejection of the draft condemning the "Shushi Declaration" was a result of an incorrect assessment of the growing threats in the security environment and a lack of control over the Turkish-Azerbaijani behavior and negotiation tactics in the current geopolitical developments.

According to Ohanyan, the silence of the National Assembly regarding this anti-Armenian declaration signifies agreement with the defeat initiated by the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem's war. "Considering the viewpoint of the political majority that this statement could harm the formation of an era of peace, we emphasize that, on the contrary, it is entirely 100 percent national and aimed at state support. The adoption of the statement stems from the interests of strengthening the security environment of the Republic of Armenia. It will send a message to the people of Armenia and Artsakh, the global Armenian community, and the international community that we have red lines in this process and we will not retreat from them. This means that there will be no loss of sovereignty and the dignity of the Armenian people. Otherwise, we will consider this as serving the interests of the enemy," said Ohanyan, urging to reintroduce the draft condemning the "Shushi Declaration" into the agenda.

NA Vice President Ruben Rubinyan responded, stating, "It is still a very big question of who is serving the enemy's interests, Mr. Ohanyan." NA Vice President Hakob Arshakyan also called for a non-threatening tone, saying, "What remains is that you should add another insult before or after this vote. This is not political speech; it is a threat."

Secretary of the "Armenia" faction Artsvik Minasyan called on the "Civil Contract" faction for political sobriety and requested a 20-minute break.