STATEMENT

The recent statements by Azerbaijan’s spiritual leader, Allahshukur Pashazade, delivered as part of the openly aggressive initiative called “Western Azerbaijan”, once again demonstrate that Baku pursues a state-coordinated and ideologically driven policy of territorial ambitions.

This is no longer mere propaganda: it is a programmatic declaration, the essence of which is the ongoing pressure on the Republic of Armenia and the groundwork for new demands.

Pashazade’s references to the “return of the lands of Karabakh, Zangezur, and Western Azerbaijan” not only distort historical and legal realities but also openly challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia.

The rhetoric of “restoring cultural-spiritual sovereignty” is, in fact, revisionism cloaked in political language, designed to justify future claims.

These statements are being made in the aftermath of the ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population of Artsakh, while Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage continues to be systematically destroyed or appropriated. Against this backdrop, advocating for peace while simultaneously advancing new territorial claims sends a double message to the international community: “peacefulness” is presented outwardly, while an ideology of further demands is nurtured internally.

It is also telling that in Azerbaijan, such statements are encouraged by the state, including its spiritual leaders, whereas in Armenia, clergy who express political views face pressure and persecution. Notably, Pashazade’s own “criticisms” of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the Diaspora often precede new waves of repression by the Yerevan regime.

This contrast reveals not only Baku’s strategy, but also the dangerous trend whereby Armenia’s current collaborationist authorities undermine national resistance by persecuting their own spiritual and national institutions. Pashazade’s statement makes clear where the policy of unilateral concessions by the Armenian authorities leads: it does not temper aggressive rhetoric, but rather emboldens further demands.

Particularly concerning is that this campaign unfolds amid the virtual silence of US and European institutions—a silence that is not only ironic, but perilous. Lasting peace in the region is impossible as long as aggressive and revisionist rhetoric goes unaddressed and with no political assessment.

We recognize the importance of international engagement and understand that Armenia cannot survive in isolation within this complex geopolitical environment. However, peace cannot be achieved at the expense of national dignity, historical memory, and state sovereignty. Peace cannot be built on fear or unilateral concessions.
Lasting peace demands clear borders, mutual responsibility, and a renunciation of the threat of force.
Contrary to the fabricated “achievements” touted by Azerbaijan and the self-assured rhetoric fueled by external support, we are convinced that Armenian statehood and national will possess the potential to change this reality.

History has repeatedly shown that the Armenian people can restore their rights and dignity even in the most difficult conditions.

Council of the National-Democratic Alliance
February 25, 2026, Yerevan