The declared peace is incompatible with the dangerous expansionist programs and aggressive rhetoric coming from Azerbaijan. expert

Expert on Azerbaijani issues Tatevik Hayrapetyan writes:

“The declared peace is incompatible with the dangerous expansionist programs and aggressive rhetoric coming from Azerbaijan.

What is actually happening in Azerbaijan, and what kind of state policy has been adopted? I have repeatedly presented and demonstrated with facts that by referring to the territory of the Republic of Armenia with the expansionist name "Western Azerbaijan", Aliyev is outlining far-reaching plans.

Thus, only during the period from December 15 of last year to January 15 of this year, Azerbaijan’s state news agency ‘Azertag’ published 24 materials in which the territory of the Republic of Armenia was referred to using the expansionist term ‘Western Azerbaijan,’ which has no historical, political, or geographical basis whatsoever. This is a clear expansionist program that is being presented to the Azerbaijani public on a daily basis.

I will briefly summarize what these publications were about. I quote verbatim certain excerpts from their materials. All publications belong to the state agency.

For example:

‘In the historical territories of Western Azerbaijan — the territory of the present-day Republic of Armenia — hundreds of Azerbaijani-Turkic architectural monuments have been ruthlessly destroyed, or their identity has been altered and kept “in captivity.”’

‘The speakers, including representatives of scientific and cultural institutions, noted that the publication is an important source for future studies of biodiversity and also contributes to conveying scientific truths about Karabakh and Western Azerbaijan to the international community.’

‘The issue of Western Azerbaijan has become one of the priority directions of state policy as a result of the determination of President Ilham Aliyev.’

‘Resolving issues related to the realities of Western Azerbaijan has become a primary political and scientific priority, reflecting the country’s commitment to preserving historical memory and national identity.’

‘AZERTAC reports that the message emphasized the importance of the unity of Azerbaijanis around the world and the continuation of the path chosen by national leader Heydar Aliyev. President Ilham Aliyev strengthens ties with the diaspora, protects their rights, and supports the peaceful return of Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands, including Western Azerbaijan, thereby strengthening national solidarity.’

‘Over the past 200 years, those subjected to ethnic cleansing, displacement, and genocide have always returned, and they will return again—peacefully, in their own vehicles,’ said Azerbaijani MP Alakbarli, emphasizing that international support and coexistence are the key to the safe return of refugees.

These are just a small part of the dangerous rhetoric being directed against the Republic of Armenia. The current authorities of Armenia are doing nothing to counter all this. I have previously noted that their dangerous inaction shows that they do not intend to resist this agenda. In reality, this can be prevented through clear and persistent work. This is an agenda invented from scratch, which is gaining momentum by Aliyev’s directive and with his direct patronage.

Always remember: any aggression, genocidal action, or dangerous program begins with a narrative. The entire history of Nagorno-Karabakh is vivid proof of this. And later, when the false narrative is implanted in people’s minds, the phase of concrete actions follows. This must be prevented while we are still dealing with a narrative. We have all the necessary means to do so.”