GENERAL DALIBALTAYAN: "WE LIBERATED THAT WHICH BELONGED TO OUR PEOPLE AND NOT TO GIVE IT BACK TO THE ENEMY."
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2009/05/08 | 14:29
Important society
These were the sentiments of Gourgen Dalibaltayan, a Major General
in the Soviet Army who was one of the co-authors of the "Hrazdan"
military operation that lead to the liberation of Shushi, when asked
about the possible return of the seven liberated territories in
Artsakh. "You will not find one soldier that supports the idea of
handing over one iota of land to Azerbaijan," he noted.
Major-General Dalibaltayan, also an advisor to the RoA Defense
Minister, noted that the liberation of Shushi in 1992 was carried out
by the Armenian people who steadfastly stood behind the armed forces
that carried out the assault. At the time, Mr. Dalibaltayan was the
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
I am proud and happy that I had a chance to participate in those
events. We were liberating our city. The other side was occupying
it. Thus, there was no need to explain to our soldiers what was
at stake. Each one went into battle knowing full well what their
responsibilities were," stated Mr. Dalibaltayan.
The General noted that there was one more assignment that the Armenian
forces had to achieve in addition to the liberation of Shushi but
which they didn’t. "The Azeris shouldn’t threaten us and try to
intimidate us. If they suddenly decide to start military actions, it
will afford us the opportunity to carry out our last operation. Then,
we will be satisfied, the people will enjoy security."
General Dalibaltayan is convinced that Armenia is ready to strike a
counter blow against any form of Azeri aggression.
He stated that if Turkey ever decided to wage war against Armenia that
Yerevan is capable of offering stiff resistance but that offensive
operations would be difficult since the enemy is quite powerful.