Russia Will Withdraw Peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh, Babayan Says

I believe that in three years, Russian peacekeepers will leave, and I have raised this issue before, that in five years they will exit, despite all the statements that they will not leave and will do everything to maintain control over Artsakh, etc. This was stated by Samvel Babayan, the former secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Artsakh, during an interview with Azatutyun.

He noted that the Russian side's statements on not leaving Artsakh are far from reality. 'The interests that the Russian Federation has today with Turkey and Azerbaijan will lead to concessions at our expense, which is why I say that our side should come to its senses and seek other solutions. During the last meeting in Sochi, Russia said that there is an issue concerning Artsakh that needs to be resolved, but Azerbaijan stated that this matter was resolved two years ago. Could anyone say anything? The same thing will happen at that time. There will be greater economic interests that will take precedence over this issue,' Babayan said.

When asked whether the withdrawal of the peacekeepers would mean their exit from the Caucasus, Babayan replied, 'We consider it an exit from the Caucasus, while they see Armenia as theirs, and by leaving Artsakh, they do not see themselves as leaving the Caucasus.'

Samvel Babayan emphasized that the path for remaining Armenian in Artsakh could be creating a strong army and economy.