It’s Not Our Job to Deter Anyone: Lukashenko on Azerbaijan's Aggression

We want the conflict between our two neighboring and friendly countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, to be resolved peacefully. This was stated by Lukashenko at a narrow meeting of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO, as reported by BELTA.

The Belarusian leader commented on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statement that Armenia’s membership in the CSTO did not deter Azerbaijan from aggression against Armenia.

“It’s not our job to deter anyone, but in reality, we must respond. Thus, we are ready to respond,” said Lukashenko.

He reminded that Russia is carrying out a mediation mission on this issue and suggested doing everything possible to prevent loss of life.

“Yes, Nikol Vovaevich, there are nuances, and maybe serious ones. But this conflict, which could flare up again, we can fundamentally resolve now, primarily if the leadership of Armenia desires it. And, of course, Azerbaijan’s desire is also necessary. By the way, I will talk about this; it is a priority for the Belarusian presidency, and we must not turn a blind eye to this, regardless of whether we can resolve this issue or not; it must be the focus of the CSTO,” emphasized Lukashenko.

He also discussed the role of the EU and OSCE in resolving the conflict. “But in this regard, I do not understand, maybe someone can explain why, besides Russia, which is doing the mediation, the European Union and the OSCE are also here. It has always been that way in history. We know what this kind of ‘mediation’ leads to. This conflict will simply freeze at least for many years again. They do not need stability and peace in our region, but rather destruction controlled by them,” said Lukashenko.