VIDEO: Pashinyan explains why he did not speak about this in 2018

The investigative committee examining the circumstances of the 44-day war continues its session interrupted on June 20. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is answering questions from deputies live. The opposition again is not present at the session.

In response to a question from committee chairman Andranik Kocharyan about why Pashinyan did not speak about these matters in 2018, the Prime Minister said:

“First, I must say that my primary concern in 2018-2019 was to understand the negotiations process in all its details, problems, and possibilities. I believe the question is legitimate—why was it not spoken about this way in 2019, because I did speak publicly. I previously presented my remarks from the joint session of the Security Councils of Artsakh and Armenia on March 12, 2019, where I covered part of what I am saying today. But, on the other hand, when the question arises about why not everything was said in 2019, two questions emerge: what would have been the consequences and results of that statement? The next question is, what would have been the next step in publicizing that message? And how much was I in harmony with that potential message and activity? It is one thing to see the reality, and another to harmonize with it, agree with that reality, or adopt that reality as a policy. These are two different things,” Pashinyan said.

According to him, the question is legitimate, and he often poses it to himself. The Prime Minister stated that his thoughts lie between these two extremes: “The consequence of that statement would it have been war, or peace? That statement, in essence, is publicly exposing the ongoing or existing negotiation process. Its internal, regional, and international consequences,” Pashinyan noted.

The Prime Minister emphasized that he is still not in harmony with that reality today, but over time he has concluded that these issues must be voiced in the investigative committee.

For more details, watch the video.