Several Observations on Putin's Statement: Tatevik Hayrapetyan

Several observations on Putin's statement:

He claims that for decades they have proposed solutions to the Armenian side, which allegedly the Armenian side has rejected. In that case, how was it that Serzh Sargsyan was ready to sign the Kazan document, which was rejected by Aliyev? Apart from the fact that Putin's statement does not reflect reality, its danger lies in the fact that the blame for the war is placed on the Armenian side.

As Azerbaijani expert Tatevik Hayrapetyan wrote on her Facebook page: “What is noteworthy and problematic is that both the leadership of Russia and Armenia, through their statements—creating alibis for each other—have cleared Aliyev of being labeled the aggressor. This is at a time when Aliyev openly confessed that the war was the purpose of his life.”

Regarding the Armenian leader's statement recognizing Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan, it should be emphasized that yes, Pashinyan has taken a very dangerous and harmful step, moreover—not only concerning Artsakh but also regarding the inter-state roads connecting Armenia to Georgia and Iran. However, first, this is merely a political statement, and second, it does not annul the November 9 document, which Vladimir Vladimirovich himself is the guarantor and ‘godfather’ of.

The fact that Russian peacekeepers are not ensuring the safety of the Lachin corridor is exclusively a failure on Russia's part, tinged with the alibi created by Pashinyan. In fact, the Russian leader admits that they resolve issues bilaterally with Azerbaijan. Here, there is no doubt that Armenia bears significant blame. I have repeatedly stated that by withdrawing from Artsakh, the Armenian leadership has removed itself from the decision-making processes related not only to Artsakh but also to Armenia itself. Our ongoing instability and explosive situation are a direct result of this.

After Pashinyan's statements yesterday and Putin's today, I am once again convinced that they mutually benefit each other; they always create fake alibis for each other regarding the Artsakh issue while, in reality, all it does is fill Aliyev's pocket. Aliyev does not throw it into anyone else's pocket; he gladly accepts Putin's and Pashinyan's ‘passes’. And the façade of Western orientation, elevating Armenian-American military exercises that have been conducted for decades and contain no significant content to a top topic, is simply foreign fake propaganda that many are deceived by. Putin and Pashinyan work hand in hand behind all this and certainly not for the benefit of Armenia and Artsakh,” she wrote.

Let us remind you that Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum, addressed the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, the blockade of the Lachin corridor, and other issues: “I do not see any change or turnaround; we understand what is happening. We have proposed our options for resolution. Armenia controlled seven regions after the conflict with Azerbaijan. We proposed that an agreement be made with Azerbaijan for Kelbajar and Lachin to remain under Armenia's actual jurisdiction, but the Armenian leadership did not agree to this, even though we tried to convince them for a decade. Our response to this was, ‘We will fight.’”