Azerbaijan has bored everyone: David Babayan
Interview with David Babayan, spokesman of the president of Artsakh.
Mr. Babayan, escalation of recent days and weeks on Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact has grown. The Armenian side even had to take countermeasures. What is increase of ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan conditioned by at this very stage?
The main reason was and is the essence of the state of Azerbaijan. As it’s terroristic, despotic, criminal state, it’s manifested in all fields by their behavior along the line of contact, in domestic policy, we see how the opposition, different thinking is being oppressed, several TVs, radio stations have been closed—the phenomenon is this.
We see how other states attempt to export aggression in their own countries, e.g. that shameful phenomenon, which occurred in Moscow and in St. Petersburg on May 9, when during the march Azerbaijanis attacked on Armenians. This doesn’t conform to any moral norms.
Such behavior is manifested every day. All this comes from the essence of Azerbaijani state. Of course, there are some circumstances boosting such behavior of the aggressor. First and foremost, it’s worsening socio-economic and political situation inside Azerbaijan and to keep the power the clan uses the already tested method—it attempts to divert people’s attention by creating the image of an external enemy by pursuing anti-Armenian policy.
Also importance of May for the people of Armenia is added to this, during which we recorded several victories, and they—big defeats. That’s why they manifest stressed destructive behavior these days.
Opinions are being circulated that this April Azerbaijan will attempt to repeat the scenario of April 2016. In your opinion what urged Azerbaijan refrain from it?
You know, those opinions have speculative nature, i.e. different people, some on purpose, to keep the society nervous, or out of various reasons, expressed such opinion, and the other part thought that way.
There are two main streams contributing to peace and stability in the region: Armed Forces of Artsakh and Armenia, their combat readiness, this is one of the most important factors. The other crucial factor is consolidated opinion of the international community, that war is impermissible. In particular, they more seriously refer to these issues after April 2016.
And of course, the point that after preparing for 22 years Azerbaijan didn’t reach its purpose. Any aggressor doesn’t even prepare for a lasting war, they can’t convince the society to fight for 20 years, record millions of casualties in case, when they don’t know what will happen then.
Everyone wants to win quickly, with less blood. They have prepared for 22 years, now they started again, when wounds of that defeat are fresh, I don’t consider it realistic. However, we are ready to suspend any infringement at any second.
Mr.Babayan, OSCE MG Co-Chairs, basically, appeared with an unprecedented statement, perhaps for the first time condemning Azerbaijan for ceasefire violation on the line of contact. In your opinion, what this change is conditioned by? What made the Co-Chairs finally pass on to addressed statement after those putting equal sign and condemning both sides?
Of course, Azerbaijan’s behavior, as it has already bored everyone and its impudent behavior is already offensive for the leading powers. We always stressed that targeted tough statements are necessary, however, behavior of MG Co-Chairs was also clear: they attempted not to more worsen the situation, in particular, when Azerbaijan was waiting for it, to undertake irregular steps.
However, there was no other opportunity and it should have been addressed. Azerbaijan closed OSCE Yerevan Office, an organization, under the umbrella of which peaceful settlement process is ongoing. It’s impermissible. Azerbaijan attempts to shake Russian internal situation by attacking on Armenians during the march and by that to spoil the event.
We saw what opinions were expressed by candidates for the president of France, including president-elect Macron, on Artsakh’s future, the issue settlement, our self-determination, or reunification with Armenia. As they aren’t tired of it. This is yet the first, toughness is observed, however, on the other hand, it should have been more, we expect them continue in the same way.
This recent tension coincided with the statement of Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarov, that throughout recent 12 years the principle “territories for peace” is being touched upon in negotiations. Does Azerbaijan attempt to show by this that it won’t suspend military operations until Armenia agrees to return the territories?
This is Azerbaijan’s explanation, which is illogical, which is simple lie—“territories for peace” idea can’t be circulated. This isn’t abnormal, diverted idea. During any conflict at least logic should be available.
Who should we believe? What approach is this? This means that country hints that they are going to kill us.
Generally, for Artsakh there is no return to the past, regarding borders or the status, as these very borders were attractive to the enemy to attack and resolve the issue, as according to them a country like ours isn’t able to defend itself.
A nation, which throughout recent 25-30 years edified a few genocides (in Baku, Sumgait, Kirovabad, first Artsakhi war, occupation of North Artsakh and massacres, and finally, April War and every-day ceasefire violations), who they take us for? We know who they are, but let them express such opinions on their TVs and at home and satisfy themselves by that.
By Razmik Martirosyan
