Tofiq Zulfugarov: Pashinyan is dragging out this factor in order to prolong his political existence

Thus, in order for the Armenians to vacate these legitimate lands of Azerbaijan, and for Armenia to transfer them to our country, Pashinyan employed a cunning move, implying that these people would face the threat of war. To comment on these statements, Minval.az asked former Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Tofiq Zulfugarov.

Is Azerbaijan really ready to start a new war for these villages, or did Pashinyan merely threaten his citizens during the meeting with Armenians from the exclave villages near the Tovuz district to whitewash himself?

It seems to me that Pashinyan’s statement is more aimed at shaping the internal agenda. I would more relate what is happening to the processes occurring in Armenia itself. As is known, he is criticized for various reasons by different circles of the political spectrum in Armenia. He is reproached for the outcome of the war and much more. It’s hard to assume why he specifically raised the issue with the villages in this way. Yes, Azerbaijan demands the fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by Armenia. And of course, delaying the fulfillment of these commitments, as well as the obligation to provide a corridor, should not be prolonged, because the situation will increasingly tend to escalate confrontational tensions. From this perspective, it’s difficult to understand the logic behind Pashinyan’s statements.

Can Pashinyan’s words be considered a political move aimed at dragging out time, to arm to a sufficient level with the help of the West and India in the future, and then refuse to transfer the exclave territories to Azerbaijan?

This is more related to keeping the topic of a weak Armenia, threatened by everyone, on the agenda. This is one of the reasons why he uses such rhetoric. As for arming, it should be based on realities: neither France nor India is able to arm Armenia in such a way that their armed forces could be competitive with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in any way.

This requires a lot of effort and time. The issue cannot be solved with supplies alone. Therefore, Pashinyan is dragging out this factor only to prolong his political existence. Without solving anything, like other previous leaders of Armenia, they sort of postpone various topics for the long term. Although they understand perfectly well that dragging out will lead them to dire results. So, this is political selfishness, and everything is clear with it. I would relate the statement more to this than to other issues.

Are there examples in international practice where states have transferred or exchanged territories in this way?

The process of delimitation and demarcation of borders is complex. Various methodologies are used, including the exchange of different territories. This is a normal practice, and here we cannot say or offer anything new.