During the 44-Day War, We Appeared to the International Community as Russia, Now as Ukraine – Hakob Aslanyan

The authorities of Artsakh determine their own actions. There is even an agreement that we do not restrict or obstruct the actions of the Artsakh authorities in any way. This was mentioned by Hakob Aslanyan, a member of the parliamentary group 'Civil Contract,' in an interview with News.am.

“There is a clear understanding that we are ready to stand alongside all those operations that Artsakh carries out. They say that Ruben Vardanyan is a representative of Russia, well, Aliyev, you and Russia are friendly countries, and the Russian peacekeeping forces are currently in Artsakh. If Vardanyan’s presence there is not just a pretext for Aliyev, then let him demand that the Russian peacekeepers leave as well. In other words, when you delve into the issue, you understand that this is a common manipulation – simply introducing a new discourse,” he said.

Regarding claims that Ruben Vardanyan was sent to Artsakh by Russia, Hakob Aslanyan stated, “I cannot say that Ruben Vardanyan was sent by Russia, but if the authorities of Artsakh have found it appropriate for him to be the state minister, that is their decision. We do not have the right to say, ‘Artsakh, remove Ruben Vardanyan or keep him.’ We stand alongside the authorities of Artsakh.”

He also addressed the statement of the former commander of the Artsakh Defense Forces, Samvel Babayan, who claimed he could change a lot in Artsakh within 100 days, and the assertions that he was sent to Artsakh by Nikol Pashinyan. “I do not have such information and do not think it is the case. We do not send anyone; we want the authorities of Artsakh to be able to determine their orientations clearly, and if necessary, we can stand beside them, and that’s it.”

Hakob Aslanyan considers it normal for Artsakh and Azerbaijan to negotiate. “Azerbaijan has forgotten that in May 1994, Artsakh was a negotiating party and there was a signature from the representative of Artsakh under the ceasefire. What has changed that Artsakh could be a negotiating party back then but cannot now? What has changed is that Azerbaijan has managed to strengthen its army over the past 30 years, backed by Turkey, Pakistan, and Israel, and in these conditions, when it has succeeded, it is trying to speak from a position of power. Yes, Artsakh must negotiate with Azerbaijan because it is a matter of the rights of the people of Artsakh.”

He also commented on the 44-Day War. “During the 44-Day War, the international community was not on our side, because it considered that Azerbaijan was returning its territories. At that time, in the eyes of the international community, we appeared as Russia, and now as Ukraine. Today the EU is sending a mission to Armenia for two years, and Azerbaijan has lost its mind because it understands that its inflated lies will be exposed by the international community.”