Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent actions have raised concerns about his motives and leadership. The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused him of resorting to intimidation tactics against his own people in an attempt to justify further territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Maria Zakharova, the ministry spokeswoman, suggested that Pashinian’s decisions are influenced by Western pressure, leading him to pursue unilateral solutions to complex territorial disputes.
Zakharova’s remarks highlight the questionable approach taken by Pashinyan, emphasizing that instilling fear among Armenians is not the path to a satisfactory resolution. Rather, she advocates for a calm and constructive approach, emphasizing the importance of utilizing established mechanisms such as the Russian-mediated commission on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Pashinyan’s warnings about potential Azerbaijani aggression unless border areas are conceded have been met with resistance from affected communities. Residents fear the loss of vital agricultural land and increased vulnerability to Azerbaijani attacks. Despite opposition, Pashinyan persists in his plans, facing criticism even from within the Armenian parliament.
The prime minister’s defense of his stance lacks conviction, with accusations flying from opposition lawmakers questioning his allegiance. Pashinyan’s insistence that the disputed villages are not part of Armenia’s internationally recognized territory raises doubts about his commitment to defending Armenian interests. Moreover, his failure to secure reciprocal concessions from Azerbaijan further undermines his credibility.
Previously, Pashinyan’s administration advocated for mutual concessions and adherence to Soviet-era maps for border delineation, yet Azerbaijan has consistently rejected these proposals. Pashinyan’s reference to the Almaty Declaration as a basis for territorial integrity acknowledgment lacks support from Azerbaijani counterparts, suggesting a lack of commitment to past agreements.
There are growing concerns that Azerbaijan’s reluctance to reaffirm its commitment to the Almaty Declaration signals a desire to pursue further territorial claims against Armenia. This leaves Armenia vulnerable to future encroachments, underscoring the urgency for a more astute and resolute leadership in navigating these complex geopolitical challenges
