Undoubtedly, this is a staging: Zatulinsky on Azerbaijani 'environmentalists'

According to "Hraparak," "Azerbaijanis have blocked the Artsakh-Armenia road, which, as Zohrap Mnatsakanyan described, poses an existential threat to Artsakh. As a reminder, since December 12, Azerbaijanis have set up tents near Shushi under the guise of environmentalists, blocking traffic through the Lachin corridor. Reports have emerged that among these 'environmentalists' are military personnel. While the authorities of Artsakh are negotiating with Russian peacekeepers, it can be noted that the trilateral agreements are not functioning, and the statements of Artsakh officials and the Armenian Foreign Ministry are just air fluctuations that change nothing. Meanwhile, the Russian peacekeepers are either powerless or colluding with the Azerbaijanis.

We discussed the topic with Konstantin Zatulinsky, a member of the State Duma of Russia and chairman of the Commission on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots.

- Konstantin Fyodorovich, you probably know about the Azerbaijani 'environmentalists' stationed near Shushi. Is it true that once Azerbaijanis enter a place, there’s no leaving? How do you view this situation?

- Of course, I know. Undoubtedly, this is a staging—the incident involving these environmentalists, and in this way, Azerbaijan is trying to advance its interests. As you know, Azerbaijan's appetite grows while eating. Not only for them, but particularly for them. Of course, they are currently exerting pressure on Artsakh and Armenia to gain unilateral advantages.

Let me reveal a secret: I was in Artsakh in June and saw the construction of a new highway connecting Armenia to Artsakh, which is intended to replace the road through Lachin. As far as I know, it is much more complex, and to my knowledge, everything related to its operation is not normal. I might be mistaken, but I witnessed that. Azerbaijan is losing patience and wants to take full control of the Lachin highway as soon as possible, along with the Lachin region, which they obtained through agreements in 2020. What Azerbaijan is doing is gross arbitrariness, and I hope that the Russian peacekeepers, who I know are working hard right now, will rectify the situation.

- According to the agreements signed on November 9, 2020 and October 31, 2022 in Sochi, the parties confirmed uninterrupted communication between Artsakh and Armenia and excluded the use of force. So, it turns out these agreements are not 'working'?

- Of course, the Russian peacekeepers do not want to let things escalate to gunfire and armed conflict—that is undesirable because it would have significant negative consequences. But at the same time, they are not changing their principled position on any compromise. As far as I know, the task set before the peacekeepers is to ensure the operation of the highway connecting Artsakh to Armenia. They will achieve this, and I wish them success and am ready to support them in this matter as a member of the Duma within my capabilities.

- The authorities of Artsakh are negotiating with the peacekeepers, but it is a fact that the Russian side cannot ensure the documented points.

- Your surprise that the agreements are not working seems a bit disingenuous to me. What agreements could function in a situation when it comes to the uninventoried consequences of a war—a war that continues to spread? It was clear from the beginning that Azerbaijan was counting on force, taking advantage of an opportune moment, including the fact that Russia is occupied with Ukraine, that it has the support of Turkey, and that Russia is trying to maintain a 'bad peace' better than a 'good quarrel.' Also, the Armenian authorities are demonstrating, to put it mildly, their 'various forms' toward us. For instance, consider the results of the latest CSTO summit in Yerevan and how the Armenian delegation behaved... The Armenian government is playing a game with us. It wouldn't be so bad if they were only playing games with us; we could somehow cope, but they are playing games with the Armenian population of Artsakh. On one hand, they act in support of the Artsakh people, and on the other, it turns out they have agreed that the existence of Armenians in Artsakh is Azerbaijan's internal affair. After all, this is essentially an agreement by the Armenian government.

- Our government had hoped for Brussels. Civilian observers came, circled around, and today Brussels announced that they will not extend their observers' mandate. This means they believe that everything is fine and that there is no need for their presence? How do you assess this?

- Because the view that the West is sincere about Armenia's problems, from the First World War to the current situation, somehow does not hold. In times of crisis, it turns out that all declarations, if the West is asked for sacrifices and efforts, are not fulfilled. In reality, Azerbaijan is also trying to play the European card. Unlike Armenia, it is important to Europeans as an alternative supplier of oil and gas, which would allow them to get rid of their dependency on Russian fuel, and is trying to speculate on the West by positioning its oil and gas. Azerbaijan is playing on all fronts, and the impression created by the behavior of the French Senate or the words of the French president about Europe's unwavering support for Armenia is not confirmed. France behaves one way, while, say, Great Britain behaves in another.

- Our politicians are now expressing the view that it is the right moment for Armenia to recognize the independence of Artsakh. What do you think, will this help us or, on the contrary, complicate the situation?

- You understand, this should have been done long ago. But it has not been done. Of course, this is a step that will provoke new actions from Azerbaijan. If Armenia is ready for this, prepared to withstand, then fine, but if it is done purely for populist reasons, like 'Artsakh is Armenia, and that’s it' statements that have no follow-up, except for the surrender of Artsakh, then it is better to refrain from it.