Orientalist: While Pashinyan thinks in terms of the "present", Aliyev  thinks in terms of the "future"

ArmInfo. During an  interview with PTA on November 22, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol  Pashinyan brought up a new point of discussion regarding the  opposition of Western Armenia to the so-called "Western Azerbaijan".  This is how orientalist Sergey Melkonyan commented on the latest  statements made by the Armenian Prime Minister that there is no need  to be offended when Ilham Aliyev uses the narrative of "Western  Azerbaijan", because Armenians themselves often say Western Armenia.

In this context, the expert pointed out that these two concepts are  diametrically opposed to each other.  "Western Armenia is a  historical region. The so-called "Western Azerbaijan" is an  unrealized product of geopolitical engineering that has never  actually existed," he noted. Melkonyan emphasized that "Western  Azerbaijan" is in opposition to the idea of the "Republic of Armenia"  and is intended to destruct the current Armenian statehood. "Western  Armenia is not aimed at destroying Turkey, but rather serves as an  alternative name for modern Eastern Turkey, referencing one of the  historical names for this region, such as Eastern Anatolia. 

Furthermore, the fundamental inconsistency of Pashinyan's thesis lies  in his attempt to incorporate the historical term "Western Armenia"  into his new concept of "real Armenia", whereas Aliyev integrates the  notion of "Western Azerbaijan" into the historical paradigm. That is,  while Pashinyan thinks in terms of the "present", Aliyev thinks in  terms of the "future", trying to come up with "historical  justifications".  Therefore, putting two concepts on the same level  just because the word "Western" is present is, at the very least,  frivolous," the political scientist asserted. Melkonyan believes that  Pashinyan has actually set a new agenda for discussions. According to  him, on one hand, participation in the discussion legitimizes the  topic and helps promote the agenda. "On the other hand, the absence  of comments and criticism may indicate that Pashinyan's position  aligns with the majority of the population," the orientalist  concluded.