Azerbaijan preparing groundwork for aggression - Armenian MP

ArmInfo.Azerbaijan is preparing the groundwork for a provocation and, possibly, an  aggression, Tigran Abrahamyan, a member of the opposition faction  With Honor, wrote on his Facebook page. 

Azerbaijan has over the last week been pursuing an aggressive  information policy. Official Baku is constantly disseminating reports  on alleged ceasefire violations by Armenia and Artsakh. "It is an  attempt to create a stir over 'violations.' I have the impression  that Azerbaijan is waging an information campaign to prepare the  groundwork for a provocation, possibly an aggression. The defense  offices of Armenia and Artsakh are regularly refuting the reports,  which is even more emphasizing Azerbaijan's 'homework'," the MP  writes. 

It is not by mere chance that Azerbaijani propaganda is launching  such information attacks.

"By the way, a few days ago, an Azerbaijani telegram channel released  unofficial warnings against taking and publishing pictures of  movement of military equipment and units. A military reporter was  arrested.  Different Azerbaijani officials are also speaking of  demilitarization of Artsakh, issuing direct or indirect threats of  so-called 'antiterrorist' operation," Mr Abrahamyan said. 

Armenian public especially the population in the border regions, is  taking about movements of Azerbaijani troops in different directions. 

"At present it is difficult to say what particular movements are in  question - military exercises, engineering work, flag-waving  exercises or preparation for local operations. It is only the  relevant government agencies can have the full information, but  Armenia's government is silent. In this context, we can consider two  scenarios: first, dissatisfied with negotiations with Armenia,  Azerbaijan is using hard-line rhetoric of blackmail, by actively  transporting its troops and threatening to realize its territorial  ambitions by using force. 

"Secondly, I am most of all concerned that Azerbaijan could play out  a scenario of aggression launched by Armenia's authorities, which  will surrender new territories, as peacefully yielding them is  pregnant with loss of power for Armenia's authorities. Their priority  is retaining power rather than defending the country's territorial  integrity. After the 44-day war they could convince the public that  by striking the disgraceful deal with Azerbaijan they saved 25,000  lives. And by surrendering Kovsan and Sanasar they allegedly  prevented an even greater tragedy. The process of surrendering  Artsakh and Armenia is going on, whereas the government goes on  justifying it and seeking new explanations. In both cases we are  dealing with processes pregnant with extremely grave consequences for  Armenia and Artsakh," Mr Abrahamyan concluded.