Pashinyan Denies Armenian Military Presence in Artsakh Amidst Azerbaijani Accusations

Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, strongly refuted accusations made by Azerbaijan, stating that there is no military presence of Armenia in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). Pashinyan addressed the ongoing false claims during a recent Cabinet meeting, asserting that Artsakh solely operates a Defense Army, distinct from Armenia's military.

Azerbaijan has persistently demanded the withdrawal of what it calls "army units of Armenia" from Nagorno Karabakh. However, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia does not maintain any military forces within Nagorno Karabakh's borders. He reiterated that Nagorno Karabakh operates its own Artsakh Defense Army, established for self-defense purposes.

Prime Minister Pashinyan elaborated that the reasons for the Defense Army's existence are evident in Azerbaijan's actions and official propaganda. He pointed out that Azerbaijan's policies seem to target the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh through what he termed as "ethnic cleansing and genocide."

Pashinyan warned that current events in Nagorno Karabakh are indicative of this alleged policy's implementation. He urged a careful assessment of the situation and emphasized the significance of distinguishing between the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army and any military presence of Armenia.

These clarifications come in response to continued allegations from Azerbaijan, shedding light on the ongoing tensions between the two countries.