Events in Syunik are a provocation against us and the Russians, and it is not Azerbaijan doing it, but Turkey: Suren Sargsyan

International expert Suren Sargsyan made a post on Facebook, addressing the events taking place in Syunik.

"What is happening in Syunik?

I have always believed that the war has not ended, as neither the warring parties nor the interested sides are satisfied with its outcomes.

Now, to the point. Do you remember the Iskander story? The one where Baku accused the Russians of using Iskander against Azerbaijan during the war? What was the essence of that accusation? It is obvious, isn’t it? It’s the Turks, not Azerbaijan.

1. Turkey has a strong desire to have a military presence in Azerbaijan.
2. The Turkish (NATO) military base in Azerbaijan is a threat primarily for Russia.
3. The Russian military base in Artsakh (which Azerbaijan considers its own) is a problem for Azerbaijan and Turkey.
4. By throwing Iskander into the pocket of the Russians, Turkey solves two issues: it says you are biased, thus your peacekeeping mission is biased. Therefore, either get out, or we will also bring a military base to Azerbaijan, as yes, we are biased towards the other side too.

Now let’s go to Syunik. This is a provocation not only against us but also against the Russians. And it’s not Azerbaijan that is behind it; it is Turkey.

1. Now they have put the Russians (CSTO) in front of a fact (also by our hand): they either have to carry out a special operation and confront the Azerbaijanis directly, or try to make some concessions for Turkey.
2. Turkey’s (Western) desire is one: either Russia should cease its military presence in the region and only compete economically for influence in the South Caucasus (see the example of Georgia), or Turkey should also have a military presence—meaning NATO in an R.F. bordering country.
3. There is also another scenario: Russia does not get involved, and Baku continues its advance in Syunik. If we had adequate leadership and armed forces, we would have taken on the third scenario and halted its progress. Alas!"