Armenian Government’s Reckless Policy Blamed for Fall of Artsakh and Challenges
An Armenian political analyst has criticized the government’s reckless policy, holding it responsible for the fall of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the major challenges currently facing Armenia. Arman Ghukasyan, speaking at a news conference in Yerevan, expressed concerns over Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration’s shift towards the West in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which he believes went against the interests of both Armenia and Artsakh.
According to Ghukasyan, Pashinyan’s decision to officially recognize Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan not only nullified the trilateral agreement reached on November 9 but also significantly weakened Armenia’s position in the conflict settlement process. This move left Russia with limited opportunities to support the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians in their struggle. Ghukasyan argues that Pashinyan downplayed the struggle for the status of Karabakh and reduced it to a mere matter of people’s security.
The political analyst warned against Armenia’s potential ratification of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ghukasyan believes that endorsing the statute, which issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, could have severe consequences for Armenian-Russian relations. He highlighted the dangers of pursuing an adventurist policy that prioritizes anti-Russian sentiment and serves as a means for Pashinyan to maintain power.
Furthermore, Ghukasyan criticized the joint Armenian-American military exercises that have taken place while Yerevan has continuously refused to participate in drills hosted by the CSTO. He argues that such actions will not lead to the punishment of Azerbaijan, as claimed by Armenian authorities, but rather pose new threats and problems for Armenia, particularly in its relationship with Russia.
The political analyst concludes that Armenia’s anti-Russian policy, driven by Pashinyan’s desire to cling onto power, is negatively affecting the country’s interests. Ghukasyan suggests that Armenia has already suffered the loss of Karabakh due to this policy and warns of the significant challenges that lie ahead.
In summary, the Armenian government’s reckless policy has been blamed for the fall of Artsakh and the current major challenges facing Armenia. The administration’s shift towards the West and its decision to recognize Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan have been criticized for weakening the country’s position in the conflict settlement process and hampering potential support from Russia. Additionally, concerns have been raised over Armenia’s potential ratification of the Rome Statute, which could adversely impact its relations with Russia. The analyst argues that this anti-Russian policy is a means for the government to cling onto power but warns of the disastrous consequences it may have for Armenia.
