According to opposition MP Artur Khachatryan, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is avoiding negotiations hosted by Russia after acknowledging Baku’s sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh in meetings mediated by Western powers. Khachatryan, speaking at a press briefing, accused Pashinyan of mishandling the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process since taking office in 2018 and criticized him for what he perceives as repeated concessions to Azerbaijan.

Artur Khachatryan, a representative of the opposition “Hayastan” faction, believes peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan will not be achieved even after the two countries sign a peace deal.

“The peace treaty will not bring peace [to the region]. I strongly believe the document imposed by Azerbaijan will include vague wording,” the deputy said, adding that Azerbaijan could misinterpret it to launch a new war against Armenia.

Artur Khachatryan further asserted that Azerbaijan tends to put forth new demands following any concession made by Armenia. He expressed the hope that no agreement or document would be signed between the two countries by the end of the year.

Another opposition MP expressed skepticism about the assurances from the Armenian leadership that a treaty with Azerbaijan would lead to the establishment of peace between the two countries. Taguhi Tovmasyan, who represents the opposition “Pativ Unem” faction, also raised concerns about the frequent sounds of gunfire in her hometown of Vardenis, situated along the border with Azerbaijan.

“The more the Armenian authorities speak about peace, the more the enemy resorts to aggression. I simply don't believe peace will come. I don't believe any agreement will be honored after its signing,” she said at a news briefing in the parliament on December 13.