Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity are not subject to discussion - Speaker of Parliament

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia are not subject to discussion, Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan told reporters at a briefing.

Commenting on the 5 proposals made by Azerbaijan for the peace treaty, the Speaker stated: “We have not accepted any demand, and there isn’t any document”.

He didn’t comment on the proposals made by Armenia for the treaty, as he assured that the proposals have not been discussed and determined.

Asked whether the peace agenda is still relevant for the authorities after the footage showing execution of Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijani servicemen, the Speaker gave a positive response. “So that there will be no more such videos. All those people who say something negative over the peace agenda, so what is their proposal? Eternal war?” he said.

The Speaker stated that the defense budget has an unprecedented growth, they continue arming the Army, adding that the peace agenda doesn’t mean that there should be no Army. “In the contemporary world we cannot be engaged in militaristic statements and territorial claims to the neighbors”, he stated, once again reiterating that the sovereignty of Armenia is not subject to discussion. “We will not wage war, we will prepare to protect Armenia”, he added.

He assured that currently they are engaged in solving many issues, including the situation around Jermuk. “But the solution of these issues cannot be an attack on Turkey, Azerbaijan or any other country. We do not have that opportunity because of being a small country, based on the recent incidents and many, many circumstances”, he said.

As for Russia, Speaker Simonyan said that all major states, including Russia, have their interests. “It’s another matter how we will be able to resist those interests, what counterbalances we will find. It’s either war or pre-war situation almost everywhere, so what ways will we find to get out of that situation? But I believe that at this moment we do the utmost and will continue to do so”, he said.