Armenia Opposition MP Criticizes Russia's Response to Azerbaijan as Insufficiently Decisive

Opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan revealed during a press briefing in the National Assembly of Armenia that Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed his unchanged stance on the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, following a bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Moscow.

Azerbaijan’s Checkpoint on Hakari River Bridge Sparks Concerns

In a recent development, Abrahamyan expressed concerns about Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint on the Hakari river bridge in the Lachin corridor. He claimed that this move by Azerbaijan aims to maximize its bargaining power in future negotiations, particularly regarding the provision of an extraterritorial regime for Azerbaijan and a road to Nakhichevan.

Abrahamyan further emphasized that as a party to the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, Russia had a responsibility to prevent the installation of the aforementioned checkpoint. He pointed out that the checkpoint was positioned in close proximity to the checkpoints of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.

Armenia Criticizes Russia’s Response to Azerbaijan’s Actions

The Armenian opposition legislator expressed disappointment with Russia’s response to Azerbaijan, stating that it should have been more decisive. Abrahamyan highlighted the advantage Azerbaijani President Aliyev takes from Armenian PM Pashinyan’s previous announcement recognizing Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, which he believes influences Aliyev’s actions.

Armenia’s concerns about the Hakari river bridge checkpoint further reinforce the need for Russia to take a stronger stance to protect Armenian interests and ensure the implementation of the trilateral statement.

The trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, which ended the 44-day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, remains a critical point of contention and negotiation between the two countries. In the aftermath of the conflict, several issues and disagreements have emerged, heightening tensions in the region.

Armenia, in particular, has expressed concerns regarding Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint on the Hakari river bridge in the Lachin corridor. This move by Azerbaijan is seen as an attempt to strengthen its position during future negotiations by creating leverage and pushing for an extraterritorial regime that would provide a road to Nakhichevan.

Tigran Abrahamyan, an opposition MP in Armenia, raised these concerns during a press briefing in the National Assembly. He highlighted the need for Russia, as one of the parties to the trilateral statement, to prevent the installation of the checkpoint. Abrahamyan argued that Russia should have taken a more decisive response to ensure the security and interests of Armenia, especially considering the proximity of the checkpoint to the Russian peacekeeping contingent’s positions.

Armenia’s disappointment with Russia’s response stems from the belief that Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev takes advantage of Armenian PM Pashinyan’s earlier announcement recognizing Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. This recognition, made prior to the trilateral statement, has seemingly influenced Aliyev’s actions and emboldened Azerbaijan’s position in subsequent negotiations.

The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the trilateral statement and the role of Russia as a guarantor of peace and stability in the region. Armenia expects Russia to play a more proactive role in ensuring the implementation of the trilateral agreement and safeguarding Armenian interests.

In response to these concerns, President Putin, after his meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan in Moscow, reiterated his unchanged stance on the trilateral statement. This affirmation by the Russian president indicates Moscow’s commitment to the terms and provisions outlined in the agreement. However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into concrete actions to address Armenia’s concerns regarding Azerbaijan’s checkpoint and other contentious issues.

The ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan underscore the delicate nature of the post-war situation in the region. Both countries continue to grapple with the consequences of the conflict and strive to find a sustainable and peaceful resolution. The trilateral statement serves as the foundation for future negotiations, but its implementation requires the cooperation and commitment of all parties involved.