NEW YORK—Armenia’s Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan told a gathering of Armenian community representatives here on Friday that Armenia has formulated a new approach to military operations, saying in the event of a new war, the armed forces would not hesitate to seize new territories.
“I, as the Defense Minister [of Armenia], say that the option of return of ‘territories for peace’ will no longer exist, and I have re-formulated it into ”new territories in the event of a new war,” announced Tonoyan, who is in New York to attend the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference, told a gathering of Armenian community members on Friday.
In his presentation, Tonoyan ruled out any unilateral concessions and said that Armenia was in the process of expanding and improving its defense capabilities.
Tonoyan addressed the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference on Saturday, pledging Armenia’s continued participation in United Nations-led operations around the world.
“Armenia is a contributor to the NATO-led missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. We have also shown consistent commitment to help bring lasting change in areas affected by crisis, as reflected through our most recent deployment of a National humanitarian mission in Syria, comprising medical personnel and demining specialists, in cooperation with our Russian colleagues and in response to the request of the Syrian authorities and Armenian community,” explained Tonoyan.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm Armenia’s continued commitment to contribute to the international efforts in upholding international peace and security and to support to the Secretary General’s reform agenda,” added Tonoyan.
Finally, we are speaking from the position of war winner!
To seise new territories in event of naw war, is not a new declaration.
New territories from whom and which direction of the border? Both Turkey and Nakhichevan are unattainable without massive Turkish retaliation. George and Iran are no go areas. What’s left is Azerbaijan. With them we can’t even prevent constant conscript casualties at the frontier. Russian defense agreement prevents Russian blessing for any new conflict that might drag them in. Vague and toothless threats from Defense Minister Tonoyan is simply that; an opportunity to score domestic points.
APRIL 2016 AZERI WAR WAS WITH RUSSIAN BLESSINGS..The Only thing that stopped it was that Azerbaijan was getting it handed to them. They then asked Russia to mediate. TRUST RUSSIA ZERO!
I agree 100%. Also instead of “seize” its more correct to say “liberate” ancient Armenian lands. No one is seizing anything. The treaty of Kars is Illegal and needs to made clear. Turks are from the Asian foothills and not the Caucuses or Anatolia at all. This isn’t their land and therefore no “integrity” and doesn’t belong to any Seljuk or Tatar Turks..All true facts that need to be repeated and clarified. Also needed clarification from the defense minister is when will diaspora units be allowed to contribute to the defense of the motherland? WHEN?? What a resource they are ignoring..
This is the first time in Armenian history when Minister of Defense made clear statement about the situation in Artsakh. All the other politicians tried to avoid the concept or new war, as they always, directly or indirectly, suggested “territories for peace” concept. Now the rules of game is changed as our Armenian side is trying to show that Armenia is ready to win one more war, and we are not afraid of it. Another memorable remark is that Mr. Tonoyan mentioned about renovation of army and armor, which shows that our army is always ready to give answer to any attack or trial. Although all the announcements of Mr. Tonoyan was made to make sure that Armenian side is not afraid, but Mr. Tonoyan also underlined the importance of peacekeeping, as both nations are tired of tensed situation.
Nakhichevan should be on top of the list of our fatherland’s territories to be returned back to the Armenia Proper. Followed by the rest of Artsakh. The stolen lands remaining in Turkish hands shall be next.
Artsakh, Nakhichevan, Western Armenia…Ararat is Armenia. F*** Em All.
The option “to return territories for peace” is no longer an option after the April war. They tried to take it by force and failed. What about all the precious lives Armenia lost.
Next time if they go to war again, Armenia will liberate more lands and then they can talk about “return of the newly acquired territories for peace.
The United States, which should be Armenia’s ally, is NOT!