Karapetyan has been placed on the international wanted list by Azerbaijan’s General Prosecutor’s Office for his involvement in smuggling weapons into Karabakh in violation of international agreements. His actions directly contributed to the escalation of the conflict.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan now has an opportunity to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. Extraditing Karapetyan to Baku would not only uphold the principles of international law but also send a clear signal that Armenia refuses to protect those who profited from aggression against Azerbaijan.
Pashinyan has repeatedly spoken of a peace agenda. But words must be backed by action. Shielding past military sponsors only undermines the path to reconciliation. Handing over Karapetyan is a chance to build trust, purge the country of the legacy of the “gray” economy, and show that Armenia is truly turning toward peace.
