What is ours will remain ours, and what is theirs will remain theirs: Andranik Kocharyan

Armenia has acquired many things that cannot be spoken about. This was stated by Andranik Kocharyan, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security and a member of the Civil Contract party, in an interview with a NEWS.am correspondent.

"Reforms being implemented after the war, the newly acquired weapons, including Caesar…" he noted.

Responding to criticisms from Vova Vartanov, head of the 'Art of Survival' organization, the MP assured that both the second and third lines of defense are being constructed. "Everyone does not need to know about this and build fortifications based on their taste, gather money, erect earthen mounds, and claim that they are not accountable to anyone. It is unnecessary to belittle the efforts of those who are currently strengthening the army," emphasized Kocharyan.

The MP stated that the number of applicants to military universities has significantly increased, as the state offers them a substantial social package.

Kocharyan mentioned that the conduct of a referendum on Armenia's accession to the EU depends on the will of the people. "If the people have such a desire, naturally, there will be a referendum in the near future, but if the people's desires in this direction are not yet formed, we will continue to pursue a diversified, balanced policy to maintain fragile peace and try to develop it. We are crafting our own future, and this requires internal solidarity; these decisions should be based on internal unity and firmly upholding our sovereign rights," he explained.

According to him, there is a sense of revenge in both Azerbaijan and Armenia, as 30 years of enmity are not easily forgotten.

"What is needed to overcome this feeling? How long will it take to create a peaceful atmosphere? Peace is not easy to achieve. Yes, Aliyev may have a sense of revenge, but our task is to gradually mitigate that feeling and reach acceptable solutions, where creating an atmosphere of trust should be significant. The delimitation commissions should determine where our and their dividing line is. We have not conceded anything. When the issue of such a concession arises, then there will be a problem of dialogue with the people. What is ours will remain ours, and what is theirs will remain theirs. And in disputed issues, the demands of international law will come into play," emphasized Andranik Kocharyan.

He believes that Armenia's proposal to establish mechanisms for investigating incidents is very good and should not be rejected. "Why should Azerbaijan not agree to the proposal of creating such mechanisms? The whole world welcomes delimitation, and it is necessary to ensure that Azerbaijan accepts that proposal. In the negotiation process, Azerbaijan has always rejected certain proposals because time worked in their favor. We have lost the sense of time and are now facing post-war realities. Armenia must have high defense capability," concluded the MP.