Aliyev Prefers Pashinyan to Win Elections, Says Aghazaryan

Nicola Pashinyan and Levon Ter-Petrosyan have significant similarities; both have a great love for their own identity and see nothing beyond themselves. This was stated by MP Hovik Aghazaryan in an interview with NEWS.am.

Commenting on the existing conflict and sharp criticism between them, Aghazaryan said, 'Levon Ter-Petrosyan can never tolerate the idea that Pashinyan might do anything positive for Armenia and the Armenian people, such that his name could remain in history. He must remain the first president, the victorious president. I consider the vocabulary they use against each other unacceptable. The harshest term I have used for Levon Ter-Petrosyan is 'the black genius', which also contains a positive connotation.'

In any case, Levon Ter-Petrosyan has opinions; he has a voice and can have a significant influence on processes. There are serious people in his team, and therefore Pashinyan must neutralize his opponents as much as possible—some with prison sentences, others with harsh words. He has already found himself in a position where he cannot afford to lose because it could have unknown consequences for him. He has broken several laws, and he must answer for that. I believe there may come to be a government where Pashinyan appears before the court. Yes, there is a possibility that Pashinyan is before the elections, either winning or facing the court. Therefore, he is spoiling his team in such a way that everyone fights for victory at any cost, even more than himself.'

Speaking about the idea of a 'fourth republic', Aghazaryan stated that Pashinyan invented it so that he could push through many things he desires, for instance, adopting the constitution desired by Aliyev, changing the emblem, and so on, resulting in Armenia remaining at 10,000 square kilometers.

'It should not have been news for the Prime Minister that Aliyev has territorial claims. What is the term 'Western Azerbaijan' for? The return of 300,000 so-called refugees to Armenia is one of the most crucial steps in further realizing those territorial claims according to their program. They are systematically pursuing this. The Prime Minister knew this very well, and thus, to say that he has brought peace is not just a matter of words. Peace should be a situation where there are no alternatives for the parties other than peace, where resolving issues through war becomes impractical. But since the situation today is not that, we do not have peace. We are actually in a war situation. And it's not that during war times, people do not celebrate New Year, births, or March 8. They do not determine peace or lack of it in such a way. The fact that for one year and seven months, no soldiers have been killed means nothing. In some sense, Aliyev is giving Pashinyan room to take away certain things. Of course, Aliyev wants Pashinyan to be re-elected, but there is a risk that he may not be elected. Therefore, Aliyev wants Pashinyan to apply further pressure, to extract something else while there is still an opportunity. Hence, there will be no gunfire to proclaim that 'we have peace, elect us,'

When asked what would happen for Aliyev if Pashinyan is not re-elected, he responded, 'First, Aliyev and Azerbaijan must be convinced that whoever comes to power in Armenia must not give up any signed documents. No Armenian government can allow that; they simply need to manage the challenges arising from those documents effectively. For example, let’s take the 'Trump route'. If Armenia manages to involve Iran, China, India, and Russia in the construction of this route, it will be an outstanding project for Armenia. If it doesn’t succeed, the result will be a corridor remaining with Turkey and Azerbaijan, which is the corridor Aliyev referred to, with all its consequences.'