Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan gave an interview to MEGA TV of Greece. Below is the unofficial text of this interview.
How does Armenia react to the fact that Turkey practically provides Azerbaijan with weapons, personnel, and money?
The only country that has spoken in a threatening “language” during these two weeks is Turkey. We [Armenia] will defend ourselves, we will strengthen our defense, and we will work with our international partners.
Some analysts argue that the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is in fact a veil of growing Russian-Turkish competition.
We [Armenia] are a sovereign state, a member of the international community. We need peace and security in this region. We do not need to make this region the subject of international competition.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks of an attack outside the borders of Armenia.
This is that “language” we reject, this is the “language” of threat that stems from the policy of a state in denial and impunity. We have recently witnessed also the justification of the crime of genocide; this is not the way a nation wants to promote peace in the region.
In fact, Turkey is trying to recreate a state based on neo-Ottomanism—with a wider territory.
Greece, for its part, is taking active steps towards peace and stability in this region. Armenia pursues similar goals.
An Islamic prayer was heard again in Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul.
The transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is a real threat to that symbol of harmony, dialogue, and mutual respect.
How do you assess Turkey’s provocations against Greece?
I want to reaffirm our [Armenia’s] strong support to and solidarity with Greece and Cyprus. It is an act aimed at destabilization in the Eastern Mediterranean, which once again proves the very aggressive policy that Turkey has been consistently pursuing lately.
If Turkey and Greece get involved in the armed conflict, will Armenia show solidarity with Greece?
I do not see any circumstance that can break or call into question the existing very strong solidarity, very strong relations, and equally strong friendship between Armenia and Greece. We [Armenia] will resolutely respond to such actions that endanger our interests and our sovereign rights.
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