“These are just the flowers; they will abduct and kill people” - Babayan

The authorities must provide an immediate explanation regarding the incident of stopping Artsakh residents and checking their passports at the illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint set up in the Lachin Corridor. This was stated by David Babayan, the representative of the President of Artsakh for special assignments, in an interview with ‘Factinfo’.

“What happened is a disgrace. We are currently at a critical phase, and society expects answers to numerous questions—from our own authorities to those in Moscow and the West. First and foremost, the authorities in Artsakh must urgently respond to what we are doing and what our vision is. Prompt answers must be given. Society demands honesty, and there is no place or time left for waiting,” warns Babayan.

He has no doubt that in a very short time, the Azerbaijani checkpoint will become a site for abductions and killings: “These are just the flowers; they will abduct people, kill them, rob them, and degrade them. They will do whatever they want. We have seen what the Azerbaijani OMON did at the Stepanakert airport in 1991.”

Pointing to U.S. Secretary of State Blinken’s tweet yesterday, in which the American official thanked Aliyev for his so-called efforts toward “peace,” Babayan sees blatant hypocrisy from both Washington and Moscow, as well as Yerevan. “Enough already; let them say what exactly they want. Supposedly by 2025, a normal life was to be ensured in Artsakh; now, is it still 2025?” He stated multiple times that Azerbaijan would not adhere to any demands. “One thing is clear: they are now spreading that they have control and will do whatever they want. That checkpoint will be a site for abduction and torture; let no one doubt that,” Babayan said, reiterating that society is waiting for answers.