Azerbaijan closely monitors Armenia's defense ties, ex-ombudsman warns

Former Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan has strongly criticized the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group.

In a social media post on Thursday, Tatoyan called it a move that contradicts Armenia’s state interests, undermines the OSCE’s foundations and legitimizes the use of force over peaceful solutions. He accused Armenia’s leadership of joining this “adventure” to maintain power, advancing the “peace” narrative as a political tool.

According to Tatoyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev continues to demand constitutional changes in Armenia as a precondition for a peace treaty. At the same time, the so-called Western Azerbaijan Community, backed by Aliyev’s administration, is promoting the idea of resettling Azerbaijanis in Armenia. Tatoyan stressed that lists of people and even ID cards for future returnees are already being prepared under state sponsorship.

He further emphasized that after the signing of preliminary agreements in August, Aliyev pledged to strengthen Azerbaijan’s military capabilities.

"At the same time, Baku is closely monitoring to ensure that Armenia does not establish new defense cooperation or develop its defense sector," Tatoyan said.

“These developments clearly expose serious threats to Armenia’s sovereignty and statehood. Under such conditions, real peace is impossible despite the one-sided rhetoric from the Armenian authorities,” he concluded.