Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan’s Interview with the RBK Group

20 / 05 / 2021

-What is the current situation in Syunik? Can you indicate the coordinates? Or show the location of the Azerbaijani servicemen on the map?

- At the moment, the situation in Syunik remains tense, and the Azerbaijani armed forces have not left the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia entirely. However, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia control the situation and provide detailed and regular information to the RA Ministry of Defense. Regarding the second question, the Armenian side has provided detailed information to the CSTO member states, which specify the locations of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the sovereign territory of the RA, as well as those directions that Azerbaijan has violated the Armenian borders.

- Are they under blockade? How did they get there at all? What must happen for Armenia to use force against them? Has the option of capturing Azerbaijani servicemen been discussed in the Security Council?

- Are they under blockade? How did they get there at all? What must happen for Armenia to use force against them? Has the option of capturing Azerbaijani servicemen been discussed in the Security Council?

-All RA security institutions have centered their attention on the issues you raised. There are discussions on various possible scenarios. I assure you that Armenia, under any circumstance, will find adequate, and meanwhile balanced, responses and solutions.

- Is there a mechanism for direct communication with Baku? Or do all communications on this topic take place through the Russian side?

- On the issue you mentioned, all interactions occur in a three-way format. Moreover, we assess the encroachments of the Azerbaijani side on some border areas of Syunik and Gegharkunik regions as attempts to torpedo the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021. Unlike Azerbaijan, we keep the letter and spirit of those statements when selecting our responses and activities..

- How does Moscow explain to Yerevan why it is not possible to reach an agreement with Baku on the withdrawal of servicemen?

-We believe that we haven't exhausted all the mechanisms for the complete withdrawal of the Azerbaijani armed forces from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and the peaceful resolution of the situation. The process continues, and we appreciate Russia's efforts in this direction. We should notice that the problem is complicated and requires patience, prudence, and discernment.

- Is it correct to assess that Armenia has received a refusal from the CSTO?

-No. In this case, I consider it necessary to emphasize that the processes are ongoing. In particular, the implementation of the functions envisioned by the CSTO regulation toolkit continues.
- What does the document on the establishment of a delimitation and demarcation commission contain? Do this or additional documents include any preconditions for the transfer of any disputed territories by Armenia?
- In general, demarcation presupposes a peaceful, balanced, and stable atmosphere. You know that the illegal presence of Azerbaijani armed units in the territory of the Republic of Armenia does not contribute to that. Additionally, delimitation and demarcation are among the most complex issues in international relations. They have different components, including issues regarding state succession, as well as economic, social, demographic, and other aspects.

The document you mentioned solely discusses the establishment of three separate national delegations on delimitation and demarcation issues, their composition, and their forthcoming meeting. I would like to emphasize that the document, particularly, underscores the imperative of properly resolving all the listed issues via exclusively diplomatic and political means and in line with the trilateral statements.

Of course, there is no mention of transferring any territory by the Republic of Armenia.

Interview