Russia Either Unable or Unwilling to Manage Situation as per Armenian-Russian Agreement: Babajanyan Expresses Concern

The reaction of CSTO Secretary General Zas to the events occurring in southern Armenia raises greater concerns. This was stated by MP Arman Babajanyan on his Facebook page.

“That statement indicates that Russia at this stage is either unable or unwilling to manage the situation following the tensions caused by the incursion of Azerbaijanis into the sovereign territory of Armenia in the Syunik region in accordance with the Armenian-Russian bilateral agreement. Is Russia capable of ensuring compliance with the agreement? In this sense, we are witnessing, in fact, a second case that casts doubt on Russia's willingness or ability to take steps related to its responsibility concerning the November 9 agreement.

Alongside the issue of prisoners of war, there is an increasing aspect of deterring Azerbaijani provocations, if I may repeat, if Russia itself is not involved in planning these provocations and ensuring their execution. Russia should be held accountable in this matter, not only as Armenia's security ally, which has specific obligations regarding the security of Armenia's territory, but first and foremost, perhaps as the ‘mediator-responsible’ for the November 9 agreement.

In any case, whether Russia cannot or does not want to act is indisputable; however, Armenia must do everything possible to create alternative opportunities aimed at increasing security, military, and political guarantees. This involves not only significant steps aimed at enhancing internal capacity but also ensuring additional partner mechanisms of external support.

Moreover, in light of its failure to fulfill its responsibilities, any obstacles created by Russia in this regard may only indicate direct or indirect encouragement of Azerbaijani provocations,” Babajanyan wrote.