"Fact" daily writes:
A few days ago, another meeting between Pashinyan and Aliyev took place in Kazan, which took place without mediators. This format is very beneficial to Azerbaijan, which is trying to get rid of even the shadow of the co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group and achieve its final dissolution. In addition, we have witnessed many times what ultimately happens when Pashinyan and Aliyev meet and reach agreements without a mediation mission. The best example is the elevator meeting in Dushanbe, when the parties agreed not to shoot, but we saw how it all ended. Moreover, the meeting without mediators gives Azerbaijan the opportunity to exert pressure on Armenia to the end and, if necessary, violate the agreements reached. And there is no international platform through which it will be possible to curb Azerbaijan's appetite. And all this opens the way for new concessions and territorial losses. In that case, why did the RA authorities agree to the option of holding a meeting under such conditions? First, to show the people that they are promoting the peace agenda, the alternative of which, according to them, is war. By scaring the public with a new war, Pashinyan pretends that the policy pursued by his government is very effective. That is why he declares that he is calmer about the future of Armenia now than in 2018 or 2019. And this is due to the fact that he sees an opportunity to manage existing risks, which will become a reality within the framework of the so-called "real Armenia concept". But the real situation shows that it is about the complete opposite. Pashinyan announces that Azerbaijan will withdraw its troops from the territory of Armenia politically, but there is no positive response from Azerbaijan in this regard. Aliyev has stated more than once that they will remain in the positions they occupy. He always emphasized the importance of occupying superior positions over the Armenian positions. On the other hand, if the concept of "real Armenia" really works, why doesn't demarcation go beyond Tavush? It is clear that Azerbaijan has no desire to withdraw its troops from the occupied parts of Armenia, otherwise, if there was such an intention, then when Pashinyan proposed the withdrawal of troops in both directions, Baku would have agreed. However, Azerbaijan not only has no intention of withdrawing from the occupied territories of Armenia, but also has specific territorial ambitions towards the territory of Armenia. That is why he is actively developing the so-called topic of returning to "Western Azerbaijan". And what is the "real Armenia concept" put forward by the authorities about, perhaps the "return" of Azerbaijanis? The state of things that Pashinyan inherited from his predecessors is significantly different from the current situation in a positive sense, because the position of the Armenian side was stronger then than it is now. But strangely enough, Pashinyan says that he is calmer now. Maybe he is calm that he will remain in power, even on the ruins, because he enjoys the support of the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem in extending his power. That is why harsh statements are being made from Baku, especially to the opposition of Armenia, as if the revanchists want to raise their heads. What might happen to Armenia is not very interesting to the Pashinyan government. It's just that now the problem is different. before the climate conference, Azerbaijan needs to show that it is constructive, willing to negotiate, but when the conference is over, the situation will also change, and Baku will take a tougher position. And it is not excluded that at some point Azerbaijan will resort to military operations, claiming that Armenia is not fulfilling their demands. It is no coincidence that Aliyev announced that the peace agreement can be signed only when all points are agreed upon. So, the theses about "real Armenia" and "era of peace" are nothing but fluff in the eyes of the people. And while Nikol Pashinyan carelessly rides a bicycle here and there, enjoying his position, the danger to the country is getting worse. However, in case of "retirement", it will probably benefit our country.
ARSEN SAHAKYAN
