Tatoyan accuses Pashinyan of 'blackmailing' people

Former Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of “blackmailing” the public and exploiting fears of war to justify his failed policies.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Tatoyan, the leader of the Wings of Unity initiative and a candidate for prime minister, said his movement supports the conclusion of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan if it is first endorsed by President Ilham Aliyev.

“We are ready to sign a peace agreement if it is signed by Azerbaijan’s president,” Tatoyan said, adding that his group views the proposed framework as a document capable of ensuring peace under current conditions.

He also pledged continuity in negotiations, stating his team would proceed from where the current government leaves off, rejecting claims that his position could lead to renewed conflict.

Tatoyan emphasized that lasting peace requires a military with credible deterrent capabilities, echoing remarks made in Yerevan by U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance alongside Pashinyan.