Russian troops should have been withdrawn from the borders before appealing to Europe — Arbak Khachatryan

First Informational’s interviewee is expert Arbak Khachatryan.

— Mr. Khachatryan, in recent days we have heard several negative statements from Russian officials concerning the deployment of EU observers. State Duma Speaker Volodin also alluded to this at his meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart. In your view, what might this undisguised dissatisfaction lead to?

— Even back when the well-known statement was not signed in Armenia, I predicted that developments like these were possible. I would very much like Armenia to be a free, independent country that makes its own decisions. Now one can only advise collecting and taking away the scoundrels appointed in the regions. These scoundrels across the world brought about what is happening today, including in our country. In this situation, building a strong country is more important than discussing who said what. They even say contradictory things. One says the prime minister is entitled to say military exercises will not take place in their country, and then they say they have no right to invite Europe. These things are even laughable. An apricot tree cannot bear another fruit. Look at who these speakers are, where they were educated, what values they hold…

— Clearly, attempts are being made to exert some pressure on Armenia. Lukashenko, for his part, says CSTO member states must choose their position on the Russia–Ukraine war. Can Armenia afford to take such a position?

— That same Lukashenko changes his orientation with every change in the weather. That is why we have this situation now; the entire world is burning. Here, my country and my people are at stake; whatever games they play in geopolitics are their business. They do not sit down for talks with a country that plunders and builds palaces. They sit down with political figures who can establish their position and advance their nation’s interests. I have been saying this for 20 years. Remember my 2003 letter to Putin from Lefortovo Prison: do not turn my nation into a slave… What policy are the authorities pursuing now?

They go to Russia—embracing one moment, kissing the next—then return and say: let us invite Europe. One moment they run into Russia’s arms, the next into Europe’s. You have not withdrawn Russian troops from the borders; you should have withdrawn them first and only then brought in Europe. What did you expect? This was going to be the result.

— But if you apply to the CSTO under the relevant provisions and receive no help, what should you do to ensure your security—sit with your hands folded?

— You appeal to the CSTO at a time when it cannot help you. Back in 2013, I said it would help Azerbaijan and Turkey.

— So what should be done?

— Everything that should have been done is being done without thinking. I am saying only what can be said within an interview. They name heroes—what, did you think they went off with rifles and fought in ’93? That is not how a war is won. They all knew very well the CSTO would take this position; if their brains were working, they should have taken real steps. That is why safety cushions are created for the people. All countries have problems, greater ones than ours. Every country makes mistakes, but we are small and they are powerful and can defend themselves.

Our only wealth is our intellect, along with the country’s and people’s riches. They show economic growth, but it will not save the country. They ask about Turkey’s tragedy, saying Erdoğan has always emerged still on his feet, but no, it will not be that way anymore: Turkey’s collapse is underway. The whole world is burning; there will be no more help. In three or four months Azerbaijan will no longer supply oil, because it has the problem of getting back on its feet. During this period, we must work and create institutions.

Instead of building the country’s security system, they talk about bringing weapons from India—through outer space. Enemy countries are beside you, and another is spineless, yet he brings weapons from India to strike. Others could not have appointed this country’s leaders: what should they have been taught, what political figures should have emerged? I would ask them to come here, collect and take away what they created.