BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. A 2016 video
interview featuring the accused Davit Ishkhanyan was presented by
prosecutors during the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court.
The interview, recorded by the former so-called entity’s television
station, was submitted as evidence, Trend reports.
In the footage, Ishkhanyan elaborated on the activities of
“Dashnaktsutyun” supporters in Azerbaijani territory, stating that
the group arrived in Karabakh between 1990 and 1991. He noted that
their operations primarily focused on the frontline zone due to
strategic considerations.
Ishkhanyan claimed that “Dashnaktsutyun” engaged in operations
in Karabakh using not only arms, but also financial and human
resources. Emphasizing the importance of organized efforts, he said
the group functioned as a protective shield. “The Dashnaktsutyun
party’s remarkable role in army building and other areas between
1990 and 1994 was no coincidence,” he added. Ishkhanyan further
noted that various Dashnak-affiliated groups and fighters were
formed during that period, and that he was among them.
When asked in the interview whether the so-called former entity
in Karabakh should unite with Armenia, Ishkhanyan responded: “My
personal opinion is that the most correct path is to eventually
unify Karabakh with Armenia. This should be our main goal and final
result. We are currently in a transitional period. For me, Karabakh
and historical Armenia are the same. I see them together.”
In court, the state prosecutor questioned Ishkhanyan regarding
the statements made in the video. The accused denied the claim that
“Dashnaktsutyun” had provided military support to the former
separatist organization.
The trial continues for Armenian nationals charged with crimes
against peace and humanity, including war crimes, acts of
terrorism, planning and waging aggressive war, genocide, violations
of the laws and customs of war, the forcible seizure and retention
of power, and financing of terrorism—among other offenses related
to Armenia’s military aggression.
