Yerevan braces for 'Tavush for Motherland', Russia troops withdrawn
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According to Sputnik Armenia, a senior Armenian politician from the ruling party stated that Putin and Pashinyan agreed to the withdrawal of Russian forces and border guards from five regions in Armenia.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shake hands prior to their talks on the sidelines of a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to withdraw Russian forces and border guards from several locations in Armenia at the request of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by Russia's Interfax news agency on Thursday.
This decision follows the recent departure of nearly 2,000 Russian peacekeepers from the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan regained control over by force in September last year. Their withdrawal marked the end of a long-term deployment.
It also comes to show the reduced influence of Moscow in the South Caucasus region, which is considered a strategic region, especially as the Middle East and Eurasia witness heightened tensions and confrontations between spheres of influence.
Significantly, Pashniyan's Armenia has specifically requested that Russian border guards vacate their posts at the main airport in Yerevan by August 1.
According to Sputnik Armenia, a senior Armenian politician from the ruling party stated that Putin and Pashinyan agreed to the withdrawal of Russian forces and border guards from five regions in Armenia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as reported by Interfax, mentioned that Russian border guards will continue to remain stationed at Armenia's borders with Turkey and Iran, per Yerevan's request.
It is important to note that Peskov, on Tuesday, conceded that "there are certain problems in our bilateral relations," referring to Armenia, but added that "there is a political will to continue the dialogue."
Armenians stand opposed to Pashinyan's unilateral transfer of land
The agreement with Russia also happens as Armenia's National Security Service has cautioned supporters of the "Tavush for the Motherland" movement to adhere to the law and avoid actions that could undermine the constitutional structure as they are expected to arrive in Yerevan on May 9.
The movement's participants are marching from Tavush to Yerevan in protest of a border delimitation agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia on April 19. The security service emphasized that any illegal activities or threats to constitutional order will be addressed using legal measures. The march, led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, is scheduled to conclude today at Republic Square in Yerevan.
It is also important to highlight that Archbishop Galstanyan, Primate of the Diocese of Tavush, was, on February 17, 2023, honored with the title of archbishop by the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II.
As such, the archbishop is not only a clergyman opposing Pashinyan's decision over the Tavush hand-over, but rather a social and spiritual figure representing the interests of the people of Tavush and various Armenians who believe that the hand-over will not bring peace, but more subjugation and that they must defend their existence.
301 Exclusive interview with Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan: Discussing the 'Tavush for the Homeland' Movement, addressing false propaganda, and his appeal to Armenians worldwide.
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) May 8, 2024
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Supreme Patriarch of Holy Etchmiadzin reaffirms position
In response to recent developments in the Tavush border area, the Supreme Patriarch of Holy Etchmiadzin expressed deep concern over actions taken under the pretext of demarcation and delimitation without comprehensive and guaranteed solutions, citing potential new threats to the Armenian people.
"We consider the actions taken under the pretext of demarcation and delimitation of the border in the Tavush border area extremely dangerous. These actions, taken without comprehensive and guaranteed solutions, create new threats to our people," a statement by the Patriarch's conveyed.
It also highlighted the widespread concern among Armenians, particularly residents of Tavush border communities, which led to the emergence of the "Tavush for the Motherland" movement. It urged peaceful expressions of concern and called for adherence to the law by law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the letter emphasized the existential challenges faced, noting the role of spiritual leaders in addressing the cares and needs of the people.
301 Exclusive interview with Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan: Discussing the 'Tavush for the Homeland' Movement, addressing false propaganda, and his appeal to Armenians worldwide.
— 301🇦🇲 (@301arm) May 8, 2024
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"In the face of existential challenges, spiritual leaders, specifically the clerics of the Tavush diocese led by the head of the diocese, faithful to their spiritual mission and calling, cannot remain indifferent to the cares and needs of the people entrusted to their care," the Patriarch stated.
Moreover, the statement of the Patriarch read, "Our national dignity, zeal, and loyalty to the homeland and sacred values should not give way to hopelessness, intolerance, timidity, enmity, or hatred," adding that "The Church, without seeking political power, must continue to make efforts, understanding its historical responsibility, to strengthen the Motherland and statehood, protect the identity and rights of our people, promote unity and brotherly love in national life, and contribute to the establishment and consolidation of peace in the region."
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