Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan began a live broadcast today by declaring that Armenia’s defense apparatus has failed to ensure the country’s national interests and security in recent years.

He then questioned the role and motives of the Russian peacekeeper contingent in Karabakh and said that if immediate measures aren’t taken to ensure the safety of Karabakh Armenians they will be left with no alternative but to leave their historic homeland given Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing. 

Pashinyan said Armenia is working with its international partners to create international mechanisms to guarantee the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, adding that Armenia will accept and care for all those who chose to leave Karabakh.

In an apparent reference to Russia, Pashinyan said Armenia has never betrayed its “allies” or its obligations with those allies, adding that some allies of Armenia have called into question the country’s sovereignty and independence.

He said these efforts by some threaten Armenia’s internal and external security and violate all diplomatic norms. Pashinyan said his administration is determined to strengthen Armenia’s sovereignty and democracy and called on international partners to assist in this effort.

Pashinyan said Armenia intends to ratify the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court (ICC) since it will serve as an international platform to strengthen Armenia’s security given that Armenia-Russia military pacts and Armenia’s membership in CSTO weren’t adequate to ensure Armenia’s security.

He said Armenia’s ratification of the Rome Statute isn’t directed at Moscow, but rather serves Armenia’s national interests.

Pashinyan concluded by saying Armenia’s citizens must chose whether to live in a sovereign, independent country or as “fearful residents of far-flung province”. Here again, the reference to Russia is clear.

While he didn’t directly refer to ongoing street protests calling for his resignation following Azerbaijan’s September 19 military offensive that effectively cemented Baku’s control over all of Artsakh, Pashinyan clearly believes those calling for regime change are tacitly supporting Moscow’s efforts to undermine Armenia’s independence and security.