Aliyev issues warning to Pashinyan, opposition MP claims

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is using territorial claims against Armenia to pressure the country’s leadership into accepting his political timeline, opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan has claimed.

“Fully aware of the importance of false peace-loving rhetoric during election periods, Aliyev warns Pashinyan that if he fails to act swiftly and meet his demands, Baku will start speaking the bitter truth,” Abrahamyan, secretary of the opposition Pativ Unem faction, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

His remarks followed Aliyev’s latest statement that “Russian imperial maps clearly show that almost all place names in the area – all regions of present-day Armenia – are of Azerbaijani origin.” "Lake Sevan does not exist – there is Goycha," he added.

According to Abrahamyan, Azerbaijani General Staff maps and propaganda materials often depict Armenia without Syunik and Vayots Dzor Provinces, while Gegharkunik, Tavush and Ararat Provinces appear distorted.

“I am not saying Azerbaijan will launch a war tomorrow, next month or next year,” the MP added. “However, in Azerbaijan’s strategic planning, there is no place for Armenia as a complete and sovereign state in the region.”