What Alternative Option Has Samvel Babayan Proposed?

Former Minister of Defense of Artsakh, Samvel Babayan, asserts that the information circulating regarding himself and his political party's support for the Azerbaijani proposal to allow humanitarian cargo to enter Artsakh from Agdam (Aghdama) is inaccurate.

In an interview with "Azatutyun," Babayan stated that their position is to allow cargo to enter Artsakh simultaneously through both the Lachin corridor and Agdam. Furthermore, he emphasized that this package should also address the issue of Artsakh's status, meaning it should clarify the direction they are heading.

“We need to provide a comprehensive solution to this issue. It’s not sufficient to just bring in a couple of trucks through Agdam for a couple of days and then stop. Then say we let 10 trucks through Lachin — that is not a form of resolution. Our viewpoint has been clearly articulated in that meeting: we need an overall package solution that clarifies where we are headed and what we are doing. Fine, you brought in 10 trucks, you had a meal, but what’s the second step?” Babayan said.

When asked whether the package should also address the issue of Artsakh's status, Babayan responded, “Of course, at least some general principles should be formulated.”

In response to a clarifying question regarding whether the Azerbaijani side would agree to this, Babayan stated, “I believe they will agree.”

Babayan is planning to present to the public around 20 points reflecting their approach on these issues, which are still in development. The leader of the second largest force in the Artsakh parliament said he proposed that political forces work together to formulate these steps, gain public consent, and then implement them. However, according to Babayan, no one accepted his proposal, resulting in a deadlock where they blame each other.

“Let’s wait another week and see who they will blame. They should step forward and say, ‘Dear people, we have no alternative; should we relocate?’” Babayan remarked.

He stated that, in his opinion, the Artsakh authorities are currently sending the message that they must either accept assistance through Agdam and integrate into Azerbaijan or abandon Artsakh without recognizing that there are other solutions available.

“This is how I see it: the current authorities in Artsakh are creating a situation where the discussion is limited to Agdam, receiving humanitarian assistance, or leaving Artsakh. Women and children are the first to exit; in essence, they are putting on a circus, unaware that they are not solving any problems. They are leading their own people to destruction, that’s all,” Babayan said.

When asked whether the authorities are framing the issue as either accepting Agdam or leaving, Babayan replied, “I don’t know how they are framing it now, but that’s roughly what they are saying. They will officially announce something soon.”