Armenian Prime Minister Reacts to Nagorno-Karabakh Developments

In response to recent developments in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the nation to convey his thoughts and observations on the evolving situation.

In his address, Prime Minister Pashinyan acknowledged that the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh had accepted a proposal from the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops to cease fire. This decision came in response to military operations initiated by Azerbaijan on the previous day.

Pashinyan noted his initial surprise at the text of the agreement, which mentioned the "Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia" and referred to the presence of Armenian units in Nagorno-Karabakh. He clarified that Armenia had officially stated it did not maintain a military presence in Nagorno-Karabakh since August 2021. However, he expressed his understanding of the statement and its acceptance by Nagorno-Karabakh authorities.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the security and rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. He suggested that the involvement of Russian peacekeepers in such an agreement indicated their commitment to safeguarding the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, as required by the terms of the November 9, 2020, tripartite statement. Pashinyan expressed hope that the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation would fully fulfill its duties, despite reservations expressed in the past.

Pashinyan also discussed the mention of the Republic of Armenia in a text unrelated to the country. He speculated that one of the goals of the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh was to draw Armenia into the military conflict, potentially targeting Armenia's independence and sovereignty. He stressed that these were his personal assessments and observations.

Regarding the situation on the ground, the Prime Minister informed that the intensity of military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh had significantly decreased, although it had not reached a complete halt. He expressed hope that the military escalation would cease, emphasizing the critical need for stability.

Prime Minister Pashinyan concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of ensuring the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and their ability to live securely in their homes, a responsibility he believed was now fully entrusted to the Russian Federation. He stated that Armenia would continue to closely monitor developments and engage in discussions with international partners regarding the situation, promising to provide further assessments as needed.