During the question-and-answer session between the National Assembly and the Government, Vahagn Aleksanyan, member of the NA ‘Civil Contract’ faction, asked a question about the aggression of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against Armenia’s borders on November 16 and noted that Azerbaijan had occupied 41 square kilometers of Armenia’s sovereign territory. In response, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan first referred to that number on the territory.
As for the 41 square kilometers occupied as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression, the PM said that this number was not formed as a result of yesterday’s or the previous day’s operations.
“As a result of yesterday’s operations, the balance has in no way changed. I mean these 41 square kilometers existed and a week ago, in the period since May 12, and remains the same following yesterday’s operations. It is not so that the Azerbaijani armed forces have a full control of those 41 square kilometers. As a result of the processes following May 12, in fact the positions of the Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces are located like a chess desk, sometimes deep into one another in an illogical way,” Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the correct understanding of the situation particularly now. According to him, before May 12, about 40 square kilometers of the territory of Armenia was under the control of Azerbaijan, as a result of the first war.
“We know the precise locations of those areas. As a result of the first war, there are also territories of Soviet Azerbaijan, which are under the control of the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan said, adding that for these reasons he attaches great importance to the demarcation or delimitation process.
“When it is said either by Azerbaijan or by us that Azerbaijan has occupied our territories, the average statistical reaction of the representatives of the international community is that, you know, yes, it is true, but it is not true that there is an unequivocal balance. There are territories that are under your control, but they should not be under your control, if we mean de jure circumstances. There are territories that are under the control of Azerbaijan, which should not be due to de jure circumstances,” Pashinyan said.
According to Pashinyan, in order to close the issue once and for all, the international community calls for starting the process of delimitation and demarcation, and the orientation by what methodology and on what legal basis the process will take place.
Pashinyan also reminded about his statement made during the Government session in May of this year, reaffirmed his position. “Twice there was an offer to start the process, and we agreed. There are no secrets here, especially since we have emphasized the importance of delimitation and demarcation in the Government’s program.”
