VIDEO: 'Free Artsakh Welcomes You' Sign No Longer Exists, Do You Not Feel Bad? Journalist Asks MP from the Ruling Party

During a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly, MP Narek Babayan from the ruling Civil Contract party addressed the issue of Azerbaijan setting up a checkpoint at the Hakari Bridge in Artsakh, noting that Armenia is taking adequate measures in this direction.

“I disagree with the assertion that Armenia is not taking steps. Armenia is indeed taking steps, and this is visible. Parliamentary diplomacy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are actively working on this issue, and this matter is raised intensively during all meetings. We have proposed that sanctions be imposed on Azerbaijan as a coercive measure for the implementation of the international court’s decision by the UN. This may not be a sufficient condition, but it is the only one among active diplomatic tools. Our international partners understand it, recognize it, and are taking steps,” he stated.

When asked if, as a representative of the legislative body, he excludes the possibility of Artsakh ever being part of Azerbaijan, the MP replied: “For us, the primary issue is the security of our compatriots in Nagorno-Karabakh, and we are making every effort to ensure that security matters are at an appropriate level and that the connection with Armenia remains uninterrupted.”

Babayan mentioned that the road blocked by Azerbaijanis, where they have set up a checkpoint, is located in an area under the responsibility of Russian peacekeepers, and they are taking measures in this regard.

In response to the remark that replacing the 'Free Artsakh Welcomes You' sign with a sign in Azerbaijani may indicate their failed policy, the ruling party MP said: “What is important is that maximum efforts are being made to resolve the issue peacefully and that Armenia moves towards a long-term era of peace. Do you want a war? The only option is negotiations under peaceful conditions.”

For more details, watch the video.