Checkpoint Established by Armenian Side as Well: Karapet Poghosyan

“In reality, the Hakari checkpoint show was very well planned in advance. The first step was the blocking of the Shushi road by eco-terrorists, against which sub-shows were organized, during which time was used to delineate borders and build checkpoints based on the verbal agreements between Aliyev and Nikol,” stated opposition figure and former human rights defender from Gyumri, Karapet Poghosyan, on his Facebook page.

“Specifically, the Berdzor area was completely handed over to enemy control, various weaponry was concentrated, and a considerable amount of time was given to the enemy to carry out engineering works, to construct tunnels for the mobilization of troops, and to build concrete fortifications (see photo). After fully fortifying, another provocation was organized, and a checkpoint was established. During this time, the Armenian side was not idle either, and across from the Hakari bridge on the contact line, they installed several modular cabins and stationed a few border guards from the NSS. As a result, the Azerbaijani side did not establish a checkpoint alone; the Armenian side also established a checkpoint, which already legitimizes the actions of the Azerbaijani side. In the created situation, an ordinary Armenian is left with the choice to either accept the realities and go under the Azerbaijani flag or to resist, endure the blockade, and resort to harsher means of struggle.

“Having found ourselves in yet another difficult situation, I believe we need serious consolidation in the coming days, and how well that will go will become clear in the upcoming days and hours,” added Poghosyan.

Auroranews contacted Karapet Poghosyan, who mentioned that the Armenian checkpoint is located directly across from the Hakari bridge. “I was in that area a few days ago and I completely surveyed the area so that it would be quite clear for me. Of course, I have not published any photos from that area considering that I might later be accused of illegally photographing some defense structures, although I do not think there is any military secret in Armenia that Azerbaijan does not know,” noted Poghosyan.