Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan has asserted that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict cannot be resolved by unilateral declarations. The statement comes amidst a climate of heightened tension in the South Caucasus region, following discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev focusing on stabilizing the situation.

The article discusses Belarusian President Lukashenka’s controversial claim that if Sargsyan had agreed to a $5 billion deal, war in Karabakh could have been averted. Lukashenka’s close relationship with Aliyev and his role as co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group during the Karabakh settlement process have been subject to criticism, particularly from former Deputy Minister of Defence Artak Zakaryan.

(Read Also: Putin Reveals Lack of Communication from Armenia on Nagorno-Karabakh Recognition)

Armenian media has extensively covered debates regarding the country’s potential withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), strained relations with Russia, and efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union. The media has been criticized for a lack of meaningful discussions, prevalence of propaganda, and a propensity for creating a false sense of security. The potential withdrawal from the CSTO is viewed with skepticism, with critics accusing the pro-government media of using the issue to address internal public matters.

(Read Also: Armenia, Azerbaijan Progress Towards Border Resolution Amid Rising Antisemitism)

Energy security expert Armen Manvelyan has declared that gas pricing in Armenia is a political issue, with the current regime favoring Russia. The fluctuating gas prices, which have risen with Armenia’s overtures towards the EU and fallen with its inclusion in the Eurasian Economic Union, lend credence to this assertion. The media’s role in shaping public opinion and its division into pro-Western and pro-Russian factions are seen as products of political campaigns for power, highlighting the need for more genuine, fact-based discussions on real issues.