Armenia Accuses Azerbaijan of Disinformation Campaign Amidst Peace Treaty Negotiations
YEREVAN, Armenia – Tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have flared once again as a senior Armenian lawmaker accused Azerbaijan of orchestrating a disinformation campaign to destabilize the country. Andranik Kocharyan, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security Affairs, stated that Azerbaijan’s dissemination of false information is a recurring tactic employed to heighten tensions, particularly during sensitive periods like the ongoing peace treaty negotiations. This latest campaign, according to Kocharyan, involves fabricated accusations of Armenian military aggression along the border, accusations that have been vehemently denied by the Armenian military, the EU monitoring mission in Armenia, and international observers. The timing of this disinformation campaign coincides with a recent breakthrough in the peace talks, raising concerns about Azerbaijan’s true commitment to the peace process.
The accusations levied by Azerbaijan allege that Armenian forces have fired upon Azerbaijani military positions across the border. However, despite repeated requests, Azerbaijan has failed to provide any credible evidence to substantiate these claims. The EU monitoring mission deployed in Armenia has also refuted the reports of border shootings, further undermining Azerbaijan’s narrative. This lack of evidence and independent verification strongly suggests a deliberate attempt to mislead the international community and create an environment of distrust. The Armenian government has described this as a classic example of disinformation warfare, aimed at disrupting the fragile progress made towards a lasting peace agreement.
Kocharyan highlighted the strategic nature of Azerbaijan’s disinformation campaign, arguing that it is designed to maintain a state of tension in Armenia and deflect attention from its own reluctance to finalize the peace agreement. He noted that Azerbaijan’s initial positive response to Armenia’s willingness to sign the treaty was short-lived, quickly replaced by renewed accusations and preconditions. This erratic behavior raises serious questions about Azerbaijan’s genuine commitment to peace and its willingness to engage in good-faith negotiations. Kocharyan emphasized that the Armenian authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation along the border and that the Armenian military stands ready to respond appropriately to any escalation.
The recent peace treaty negotiations, which had previously shown promise, have now been overshadowed by this renewed wave of accusations and counter-accusations. Just days prior to the outbreak of the disinformation campaign, both Armenia and Azerbaijan had announced the successful conclusion of negotiations on the terms of the peace treaty. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated his readiness to sign the agreement, a move welcomed by international partners. However, Azerbaijan’s subsequent actions have cast doubt on the sincerity of its commitment to the peace process. The international community has urged both sides to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table.
The core issue, according to Kocharyan, is Azerbaijan’s continued reluctance to sign the peace agreement despite publicly acknowledging that it no longer has any issues with the draft. This contradiction, he argues, exposes the underlying motivations behind the disinformation campaign – to create a pretext for delaying or derailing the peace process. He challenged Azerbaijan to explain its refusal to sign the agreement if it truly has no objections to its content. This apparent inconsistency further reinforces the suspicion that Azerbaijan is using the disinformation campaign as a smokescreen to cover its own political agenda.
The escalating tensions and the spread of disinformation underscore the fragility of the peace process and the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations. The international community has a crucial role to play in mediating the conflict and ensuring that both sides adhere to the principles of good faith and transparency. The dissemination of false information serves only to exacerbate existing tensions and undermine efforts to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict. The focus should remain on fostering dialogue, de-escalating tensions, and holding both parties accountable for their actions and statements. The long-term stability of the region hinges on the successful conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement based on mutual respect and adherence to international law. The international community must remain vigilant in countering disinformation and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.