Former President Robert Kocharyan Breaks Down the Critical Mistakes of the Armenian Government That Led to Artsakh’s Loss

Armenia’s second President and opposition leader Robert Kocharyan held a press conference on Monday, addressing key issues concerning Armenia’s foreign policy, relations with Russia, the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) occupation, and the government’s handling of negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Armenia’s Foreign Policy and Russia Relations

Kocharyan said that Armenia’s policy of distancing itself from Russia has been a mistake, warning that those who think Russia’s interests can be ignored are “deeply mistaken.” He noted that the “corridor of complementarity” in Armenia’s foreign policy—balancing relations between Russia and the West—has been narrowing but may expand again due to global shifts, such as Donald Trump’s remarks on reinstating Russia into the G8. However, he accused the Armenian government of alienating Russia, making it difficult to restore strategic ties.

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict and Armenia’s Mistakes

Kocharyan outlined what he called critical mistakes by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration that led to the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). He cited:

• Failure in Diplomacy (2018-2020): Pashinyan rejected previously negotiated peace proposals and stalled talks, creating a deadlock.

• "Artsakh is Armenia" Statement: This declaration, he argued, was effectively a call for war.

• Recognition of Karabakh as Part of Azerbaijan (2022): The Prague agreement, he said, nullified Russia’s mediation role and weakened Armenia’s negotiating position.

Kocharyan criticized Pashinyan for miscalculating Russia’s role in Karabakh’s security, arguing that Armenia’s attempts to shift responsibility onto Russia backfired.

OSCE Minsk Group and Negotiations with Azerbaijan

The former president also said that Armenia should maintain the OSCE Minsk Group framework, warning that abandoning it would limit diplomatic leverage. He also criticized the government’s direct negotiations with Azerbaijan without international mediators, arguing that this makes peace agreements unenforceable.

Meghri Corridor and Syunik’s Security

Kocharyan claimed that the Armenian government is preparing to make territorial concessions, particularly regarding the “Meghri Corridor,” which Azerbaijan has long sought. He credited Iran’s firm stance against border changes for preventing further territorial losses in Syunik.

Armenia’s Membership in CSTO and EU Relations

Kocharyan accused the Armenian government of discrediting the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), recalling that it had even prosecuted the organization’s former Secretary General. He also warned that closer ties with the European Union could have “very serious consequences” for Armenia, especially if it undermines security partnerships with Russia.

Return of Armenians to Artsakh

The ex-president insisted that the only viable option for Armenians to return to Nagorno-Karabakh is through the implementation of the November 9, 2020, trilateral statement. However, he accused the Armenian government of deliberately avoiding this issue, suggesting that they prefer the displaced Artsakh Armenians not to return, as it would complicate their policies.

Conclusion

Kocharyan portrayed the Armenian government as incompetent in handling foreign relations, security, and negotiations, arguing that their policies have weakened the country. He suggested that Armenia needs new leadership to navigate emerging global dynamics and avoid further losses.