The Nagorno-Karabakh Issue Has Been Internationalized Again, Azerbaijan Probably Hoped for Something Else: Hayrapetyan

Azerbaijan expert Tatevik Hayrapetyan presented several observations regarding the outcomes of the discussion on the Artsakh issue at the UN Security Council.

- The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has been internationalized again. Azerbaijan probably hoped that after a one or two-day blockade, Artsakh would concede, but that did not happen. It was also important that many emphasized that solving issues through military means is unacceptable. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated the right process considering the risk of a humanitarian disaster.

- Several countries, including the USA, France, Norway, and Ireland, issued clear address calls. Ireland also spoke about the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and negotiations under the OSCE Minsk Group format, which was a very good emphasis.

- Most countries were making more bilateral calls, but unequivocally noted that the Lachin corridor must be opened.

- Russia, as always, behaved incorrectly. This was one of the rare cases where Russia presented itself in the international arena not in a negative but in a positive light. Discussion took place regarding Russia's role in establishing a ceasefire and the importance of peacekeepers. However, Russia's traditional fear that the internationalization of the issue might weaken its position prevented it from taking advantage of this opportunity. Therefore, they even distorted the situation, claiming the corridor is partially open, without mentioning that the shipments are going to their peacekeepers and not to peaceful civilian residents. Currently, the only entry and exit is managed by the Red Cross, which is transporting critically ill patients in an attempt to save their lives. There is no other way into Artsakh aimed at helping the living Armenians.

- Our representative's speech had good emphasis, and it was also good that he spoke about Azerbaijan being a dictatorial country. I would very much like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give everyone instructions on what to talk about, what not to talk about, instead of every official in Armenia saying whatever comes to their mind. If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dealt exclusively with this issue rather than the so-called Secretary of the Security Council and MPs who consider Armenia an 'occupier', we would be in a much better situation. This uncoordinated state greatly hinders us and is used by Azerbaijan against us.

- Azerbaijan has understood that Nagorno-Karabakh has not disappeared, the issue has not been resolved. Moreover, if Armenia had acted wisely for two years, they would not dare to close the Lachin corridor today. The mention of Ruben Vardanyan during this meeting was expected, as their entire propaganda is based on the idea that Vardanyan should leave Artsakh. It is simply evident that all those who call for resistance, for not surrendering, and for not reconciling with defeat are considered dangerous for Azerbaijan. Their aim is to psychologically break the Armenian people so that no one sees any point in fighting or resisting, neither in Armenia nor in Artsakh.

Will the corridor open after this discussion? At this point, I do not see that trend. Perhaps Azerbaijan has calculated that there will soon be holidays in Europe and the USA, and therefore many will leave the calls coming from Artsakh and Armenia unanswered. The important thing is to continue working and not to surrender; we have no choice to surrender.