Armenian revanchists and other remnants obstructing the civilized normalization of relations with Azerbaijan seem unwilling to abandon their old habits and give up on delusional initiatives.
A fringe group of marginal figures, led by the former so-called “president” of the now-defunct separatist regime in Karabakh, is feigning political activity by announcing the timeline for the fictional “mandate” of the last failed leader, Samvel Shahramanyan. Not only was this coward joyfully “elected” to the “post” of “president” when other, more cunning representatives of the criminal regime sensed the tide turning, but now these dwindling manipulators are once again trying to use him for political purposes.
According to Armenian social media pages, Shahramanyan stated that he would soon decide whether to remain in his role as “president.” He noted that his “term” expires on May 21, after which the “parliament” of the illegal regime might organize new “elections.” Frankly speaking, it’s hard to imagine extending a mandate that only ever existed in the minds of Armenian utopians. The same applies to the so-called “parliament” and these so-called “elections.”
Furthermore, if certain Armenian hardliners have such short memories, let us remind them that Shahramanyan himself signed the decree outlining actions in response to the situation following September 19, 2023. With his own signature, he approved the dissolution of all “state” institutions and bodies under their “jurisdiction” by January 1, 2024, and acknowledged the termination of the so-called “Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
But that’s how things tend to be with the Armenians… These kinds of manipulations are not rare, and Azerbaijan knows better than most how far their statements can diverge from actual actions.
If it’s considered acceptable in Armenia to sign a document and then conveniently forget it, then what is the point of all these peace talks? Armenia stands as a textbook example of reckless political behavior.
This kind of blatant inconsistency, so characteristic of the Armenian approach, reflects a deeper issue: an unwillingness to honor obligations. That’s why the Azerbaijani side demands solid guarantees from Yerevan—ones they cannot later try to wiggle out of.
The current Armenian leadership must reaffirm its recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity not just through words, but through concrete steps—starting with constitutional changes to abandon any territorial claims. Baku has repeatedly presented this demand as a central precondition for peace.
To demonstrate a genuine desire for peace and normalized relations with Baku, Yerevan must not only renounce its aggressive, expansionist policies but also dismantle illegal entities led by figures like Shahramanyan and others. Baku—and the international community—must witness not just intentions, but real action: the closure of the so-called representation of the criminal regime, and the firm suppression of its so-called parliament.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent statement that the “Karabakh movement” must be brought to an end requires a logical follow-up—practical implementation.
The recent resurgence of revanchist forces in Armenia, including their victories in some local elections, indicates that the authorities are still not ready for real action, thereby significantly slowing down the peace process in the region. Continuing down the path of revanchism and encouraging fringe elements will bring Armenia nothing positive.
It’s time for Armenia to take a real step forward—so that in Azerbaijan, people can finally stop needing quotation marks every time they refer to these rogue and destructive forces.
Alla Zeydullayeva
Translated from minval.az