Azerbaijan Has Not Changed Its Political Approach Towards Armenia at All – Tatoyan

The dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group not only contradicts the state interests of Armenia but also fundamentally undermines the principles of the OSCE's operations. Former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan stated this.

“It contradicts the international system for the protection of human rights by legitimizing the resolution of issues through force and aggression, and renders the idea of peace illusory and merely theoretical. Meanwhile, the authorities of Armenia participated in this adventure, hoping to maintain their power by turning the word 'peace' into a fake ‘winning card’,” he added.

“In reality, after the August processes in the USA, the authorities of Azerbaijan have not changed their political approach towards Armenia one bit. First, the President of Azerbaijan has already repeatedly raised the requirement for amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, presenting it as a serious obstacle to the 'peace agreement.' Just two days ago, the leader of the 'Western Azerbaijan' community, who is also a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, stated: 'Today, the idea of the return to Western Azerbaijan is a nationwide idea in Azerbaijan. The return of the refugees from Western Azerbaijan to their native lands, currently within the territory of Armenia, is a crucial condition and guarantee for trust and stability between the two countries and peoples.'”

“By the way, as I mentioned yesterday, the listing of people has already started several years ago. When I say that Azerbaijani authorities are distributing ID cards for the so-called future residents of 'Western Azerbaijan,' it is also a reality, since this organization is controlled by the presidential administration of Azerbaijan and, naturally, it is an entity operating under the patronage of the government. After the preliminary signing of the documents in August, the President of Azerbaijan declared that he would increase military power. Concurrently, Azerbaijan closely monitors to ensure that Armenia does not suddenly initiate or develop any new collaborations in the field of defense.”

“These facts are by no means exhaustive, but they clearly demonstrate the severe dangers to the sovereignty and statehood of the Republic of Armenia, as well as make it clear that under these conditions, it is impossible to speak of real peace. This is solely acknowledged by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia and the government propaganda, aimed at preserving the power of the ruling Civil Contract party,” Tatoyan wrote.