“Through provocative actions Azerbaijan intends to disorientate the international community and direct the arrow toward Armenia”
Interview with Vahram Baghdasaryan, Head of RPA faction.
Mr. Baghdasaryan, after the statement issued by OSCE MG Azerbaijan seems not to be restrained, the possibility of large-scale military operations is being touched upon. Do you observe such a threat?
Frankly speaking, we, including me, have repeatedly made a statement, that to divert public attention they often generate tension on the border, as they have serious internal issues, finally, our allegations, that addressed assessments should be given, this was the first opportune step by the Minsk Group. And it seems to me the more internal political condition is tense in the country, the more their activeness will grow, as their only trump to solve their own issues, at least at the expense of casualties, at least through taking young men to the border, they intend to divert the attention.
I have repeatedly stated that our enemy is predictable and it’s dangerous to have such an enemy, as they don’t undergo any regulation, agreement, and their steps are unpredictable.
They even shelled their own positions. What was the purpose?
Through such provocative activities they intend to disorientate the international community and direct the arrow toward Armenia. It’s already a new strategy and shelling their own borders, territories under their control and filming they haven’t thought that we and international organizations have the opportunity to film. By that they intended to create impression among international organizations, also why not, their public, so that they’ll be able to more inflame passions and divert public attention from internal political situation. It was only provocation.
Russian analysts consider that after the April war the Armenian side conceded its position, as Karabakh didn’t become a negotiating party. What’s the issue that NKR didn’t return to the negotiation table until now?
Its only reason was violation of their agreements. If we make a small historical excursion, in 1994 the first document was signed between Armenia, Karabakh and Azerbaijan, which seems to be forgotten now, and that sclerosis-like attitude toward Ilham Aliyev’s father, that Ilham denies, that he doesn’t remember such a phenomenon, naturally the only preventing circumstance is Azerbaijan by Turkey’s instigation. And our allegation is that international organizations share that opinion, that the issue settlement, decision should be made by the people of Karabah and its leadership should participate in all negotiations.
RPA officials insisted that participation of Karabakh will be raised, but where was it raised? Why there is no reflection by the international community? Naturally, Azerbaijan won’t agree, however, what steps will the Armenian side take?
During our visits to PACE and at any other international tribunes and MG meetings, also MFA is busy with it, we should raise, protect our truth and reach the main purpose—Karabakh returns to the negotiation table and the primary issue is that of the status, let it be by referendum or any other mechanism, we should have the issue of Karabakh’s independence.
Was the issue raised in Moscow or elsewhere throughout last year?
During private talks and negotiations. Those negotiations are ongoing, we weren’t categorically refused by anyone. Only, if you follow Azerbaijani media outlets, during public meetings they try to avoid answering that question, as they say one thing, agree around one point and do the opposite. And they don’t reason why the authorities of Karabakh won’t return to the negotiation table.
By Gayane Khachatryan
