Enemy Activities are Properly Monitored: Nairi Hokhikyan

Interethnic conflict expert Nairi Hokhikyan wrote on his Facebook page: “Journalist Tatul Hakobyan today, on July 25, shared a video from a section of the road being constructed near the villages of Metsshen and Hinshen in the Shushi region of Artsakh, showcasing the construction process.

The journalist has allowed several very important errors, either intentionally or unknowingly, that need to be corrected:

1. Tatul Hakobyan uses the Turkish name ‘Ghaybalu’ for settlements in Artsakh, which is unacceptable, as the given settlement belonging to Shushi is called ‘Ghaybalishen.’

2. Speaking about the construction of a new road from Hinshen to Metsshen in the Shushi region of Artsakh, Tatul Hakobyan states that there are no Russian peacekeepers in these villages and surrounding areas, and there is an understanding that Azerbaijanis and Turks will carry out their work without the supervision of Russian soldiers. The journalist even quotes supposed confirmations from residents of Metsshen about this. If this is true, it poses a serious danger to the local residents to leave enemy representatives without supervision.

I personally called the head of the Hinshen community, Samvel Sargsyan, and the head of the Metsshen community, Davit Davtyan. Both mayors mentioned that journalist Tatul Hakobyan did not meet with them and did not ask anything about the deployment and activities of Russian peacekeepers, whereas these issues are regulated through the mayors. Local residents also confirmed that the journalist did not meet with them to discuss Russian peacekeepers or asked questions but published what was convenient for him.

The mayors of Hinshen and Metsshen emphasized that Russian peacekeepers are monitoring the work of Azerbaijani road builders on a shift basis, and there is never a moment when they remain without supervision. This is also our requirement, which is being properly fulfilled.

I also contacted the Artsakh government. They officially stated that Russian peacekeepers are deployed in all areas where any Azerbaijani construction is taking place in territories controlled by Artsakh. Azerbaijanis cannot even attempt to enter neutral zones. Russian peacekeepers may not be next to every small group, but there are separate observation posts from which the work of every Azerbaijani is monitored. Enemy activities are also properly overseen by the Artsakh Defense Army.

Ultimately, just days ago, I, Nairi Hokhikyan, was in the mentioned area and saw with my own eyes that Azerbaijani road builders are under the supervision of Armenian and Russian military, officially under the control of Russian peacekeepers.

3. Tatul Hakobyan mentions that “the road starts from the village of Kornidzor in the Goris region and passes through a small area of Azerbaijan...”. The journalist needs to be informed that the Kashatagh region of Artsakh has never been part of Azerbaijan, and one cannot fully embrace the enemy’s territory. Journalists with such enthusiasm may just as well refer to Yerevan and Sisian as Azerbaijan, considering that the enemy also claims those lands as theirs.

Avoid serving the enemy, whether consciously or unconsciously, even if dictated by sponsors.”