Baku is Targeting Me: Vardanyan

The State Minister of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanyan, gave an interview to the reputable Italian publication TEMPI, discussing the situation in Artsakh resulting from the Azerbaijani blockade. He emphasized that the situation is complex, yet the people of Artsakh are determined not to surrender and will continue to defend their right to live on their own land.

“We are completely cut off from the outside world and are already facing numerous humanitarian problems. In such a situation, the necessity of an air bridge becomes very crucial,” Vardanyan said, highlighting that the issue of the blockade of Artsakh has been discussed in the UN Security Council and the European Court of Human Rights, and the international community has deemed the situation unacceptable.

Speaking about Azerbaijan's false environmental demands, the State Minister stated, “They are not environmentalists at all; they are representatives of Azerbaijan's special services. While emphasizing environmental issues, we proposed to Azerbaijan to form an international commission to examine whether there is any damage to the environment as reported. But they did not agree. What is happening is meticulously planned. The intent of the Azerbaijanis is political, not environmental; they want to pressure the residents of Artsakh to leave their land.”

In response to a question about the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Vardanyan noted, “Armenians and Azerbaijanis are different nations, with different cultures and values, but they must find a way to live as neighbors in the same region without warring against each other. Achieving a peace agreement is difficult but possible. It is important for Azerbaijan to recognize Artsakh. I am confident that if we start from this point, a solution will be found.”

Answering a question about being targeted by Azerbaijan, Ruben Vardanyan stated, “Azerbaijan does this because I can make the voice of the people of Artsakh more audible, and this is a problem for Baku. Our government needs experienced leaders; Artsakh must become more open and competitive. I am confident that I can serve my nation with my skills, and this is the reason for Azerbaijan's targeting.”