In certain populated areas of Artsakh, Azerbaijan’s local operations have a long-term goal: to form an agenda for removing the Russian peacekeepers. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this during an interview with Azatutyun radio station.
“In any case, it is important to note that, at least as of yesterday, Azerbaijan had not signed the document confirming the peacekeepers’ mandate. And in this regard, we view all those operations within this context,” Pashinyan added.
As for Armenia’s responsibility, he noted that the Republic of Armenia is not shirking any responsibility. “But also, a clear analysis of the situation shows that we must resolve these operations in close cooperation with the peacekeepers and the Russian Federation,” the Prime Minister added.
Referring to the question of whether a situation could arise in which the Azerbaijanis say that the Russian peacekeepers must leave and the war continues, Nikol Pashinyan said: “In any case, I see the formulation of such a long-term political goal. Raising such a question today, of course, will not work. But that they are trying to devalue the presence of the peacekeepers is obvious. And in this regard, I consider it important that the response of the peacekeepers and the RF be commensurate with this situation.”
Speaking about early elections, Pashinyan stressed that Armenia’s early elections cannot be held solely by his will and decision; consensus must be reached around that.
Referring to the question of whether it is not logical in this situation, for example, to have at least a change of prime minister, Pashinyan replied: “The question is not whether the prime minister leaves or does not leave; the question is who decides who is prime minister in the Republic of Armenia. The people must decide through their choice; early elections cannot be held solely by my will and decision; consensus must be reached around that.”
Referring to the question of assuming responsibility while also “directing accusations in other directions,” Nikol Pashinyan said: “Very well, I say: I consider myself the number one responsible party, but I do not consider myself the number one guilty party.”
