Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Republica, said that the return of the Turks to the South Caucasus means the resumption of the Armenian Genocide a century ago, when the Ottoman Empire massacred 1.5 million people.

"Azerbaijan's aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh, encouraged by Turkey, is a terrorist war against a people fighting for its freedom," Pashinyan said, according to a transcript of the interview released by Pashinyan’s office.

When asked about developments on the battlefield Pashinyan said that despite the heavy fighting the Azerbaijani military has failed to achieve any strategic gains.

As to why any country, including Armenia, have not recognized the Republic of Artsakh during the past thirty years Pashinyan said that his government is discussing the possibility.

“In the case of Armenia’s recognition, it will not change much in terms of international relations, because we have de facto recognized Artsakh and have established relations. Internationally, the recognition of other countries in terms of conflict resolution will change the situation. Therefore, I think that in this situation, the most effective diplomatic way to stop this terrorist attack is the recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, the recognition of independence by the international community,” Pashinyan said.

When asked what the Artsakh government is willing to give up in return for peace, Pashinyan said that Nagorno Karabakh has always said it is ready to compromise, but Azerbaijan has never wanted to negotiate.

“The last time was in 2014, when Baku refused to sign a potential peace agreement, since it would mean recognizing the right of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh to self-determination. Baku wants to return to the status quo before the 1991 independence war,” Pashinyan replied.