What Connection Did Araik Harutyunyan's Interview Announcement Have with Subsequent Developments?

The "Pats" newspaper reports: "At the beginning of March this year, one of the Azerbaijani television channels published a video announcement regarding an interview with Araik Harutyunyan, the former president of Artsakh, who has been unlawfully held captive in a Baku prison. Nothing was stated about the content of the interview, although it was claimed to be an extensive one.

During those days, both Armenian and Artsakh political circles expressed concern, while government circles pointed out that Aliyev's regime could force him to make statements under threats, which could have severe consequences for Armenia and the Armenian people. However, it is noteworthy that after making a resonant announcement in their media, that interview was never made public.

Instead, just two days after that announcement, Nikol Pashinyan held a press conference and spoke about the commencement of handing over territories in Tavush, emphasizing that they had never belonged to Armenia. Six days later, he made a swift visit to Tavush to meet with residents of Voskepar, Baghanis, and surrounding areas. In reality, the meeting was with a selected group, yet it created the impression that he was personally going to meet and persuade them.

Pashinyan visited those places again six days ago, promising things contrary to what became known the very next day through a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a clarification from the Prime Minister's office.

How interconnected these events are will be shown by time. Expert circles do not rule out that Aliyev's regime could use Araik Harutyunyan's interview as a means of compromise or blackmail to expedite the handover process of the mentioned territories. As to what Araik Harutyunyan said, it is even difficult to predict."