Analyst Warns of Threat From Azerbaijan’s ‘Western Azerbaijan’ Narrative; Pashinyan Downplays It

Azerbaijan’s renewed promotion of the concept of “Western Azerbaijan,” which refers to present-day Armenian territory, has reignited political tensions in Armenia, exposing divisions over how to respond to competing historical narratives as the two countries pursue a peace agreement.

Armenian analyst Tatevik Hayrapetyan sharply criticized the government's approach after Azerbaijan's state news agency AzerTag published coverage of a recent event in Nakhijevan that promoted the concept of "Western Azerbaijan" — a term used by Azerbaijani officials and organizations to refer to present-day Armenian territory.

According to material released from the event, participants stood before a large screen displaying a live video connection to streets in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, which were presented as part of what organizers described as their historical homeland.

Hayrapetyan argued that such initiatives reflect expansionist ambitions directed toward Armenia and questioned why Armenian authorities are instead focusing on what they describe as unrealistic nationalist narratives inside Armenia.

"While expansionist plans against Armenia are being developed in our neighborhood, our country is busy fighting imaginary demons," Hayrapetyan wrote, accusing the government of failing to adequately address what she views as a growing challenge.

The criticism came on the same day Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sought to downplay the significance of increased discussion of the "Western Azerbaijan" issue in Azerbaijan following Armenia's recent parliamentary elections.

Speaking to reporters, Pashinyan described the phenomenon as a series of "mirror reactions," arguing that nationalist rhetoric and symbolism continue to exist on both sides.

The prime minister specifically pointed to ongoing references to the Karabakh movement within Armenian political discourse, including the display of Karabakh flags in public institutions, as factors that contribute to reciprocal narratives in Azerbaijan.

"As long as that rhetoric continues in the Republic of Armenia, there will be a mirror continuation of it," Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan maintained that such debates have no practical political significance as long as his government remains committed to its current peace agenda. He reiterated that his administration considers the Karabakh movement a closed chapter and pledged to oppose efforts that, in its view, seek to revive it through political campaigns inside Armenia or abroad.

The Armenian leader also warned that attempts by lobbying organizations or political groups to advance issues related to the Karabakh movement could trigger corresponding reactions from Azerbaijan and complicate regional stability.

Official Yerevan has repeatedly stated that the issue of so-called "Western Azerbaijanis" is not part of negotiations with Baku and will not become an item on the bilateral agenda.

During the recent election campaign, Pashinyan accused opposition groups of attempting to introduce what he called the "non-existent issue" of the return of 300,000 Azerbaijanis to Armenia into domestic political debate.

The government argues that a comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan would effectively close both the long-running dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh and competing narratives regarding the return of displaced populations.

The exchange shows one of the most sensitive questions facing the region as Armenia and Azerbaijan continue efforts to normalize relations: whether historical claims and competing narratives about territory and displacement can be set aside in favor of a future-oriented peace process.

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