Arman Tatoyan: I kept saying that Azerbaijan was illegally stationing armed forces in the sovereign territory of Armenia, while the Defense Minister was strenuously denying that
Since 2021 (especially October), I have been presenting facts that Azerbaijan
has been illegally stationing armed forces in the sovereign territory of
Armenia, namely near Kut, Norabak and Verin Shorzha villages of the Vardenis
Municipality of the Gegharkunik Province. I have stated that Azerbaijan was
concreting over the roads leading to their military positions, was building
huge shelters, deploying military equipment, etc. Former Human Rights
Defender (Ombudsman) of Armenia Arman Tatoyan wrote this.
“I was talking about this so that the Defense Ministry
and the government itself would have valid grounds to fight these criminal
acts.
I have pointed out the risks posing to the residents. I have
mentioned that our servicemen defend the civilians. Thus, their right to life
and other rights are affected and need to be protected.
And what was the Defense Minister doing in this regard? He
was up to denying my reports; he was justifying the Azerbaijani actions and was
obscuring the facts of Azerbaijani invasions. He was so strenuous in his
denials that we had to produce evidence.
Why was he doing that? He was doing that for the sake of
position and power. He was doing that so that no one would express frustration
at him and at the authorities? And after that he dared to call me, then to hang
up the phone — frightened — and to make false statements.
Don’t you have anything to say now? Back then, I was talking
about this very road. Here is the video the RA MoD has published today. We can
see how quickly the Azerbaijani troops are moving along the road; we can see
what a good road it is. However, if measures had been taken to prevent this
— instead of obscuring it for the sake of power and position —
Azerbaijan would not be lavished with the opportunity to behave this way in the
sovereign territory of Armenia.
Who — besides the Azerbaijani war criminals — is going to
shoulder the responsibility for the deaths and health of the servicemen killed
or wounded in these very places today? Who is going to bear the responsibility
for this situation in the country?
