Deputy Speaker of the Knesset: “All that must be immediately stopped” (video)
Today delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) accompanied by Artak Zakaryan, President of the NA Standing Committee on the Foreign Relations, visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. The delegation arrived in Armenia before the start of Azerbaijani side’s shelling toward the NKR border.
“When it happened and we were informed and asked to return. But we are two states, which live in very similar reality, and decided to stay here, to show that we can continue to live as if nothing happened, to fight for our life and independence of our states,” noted Deputy Speaker of the Knesset Tali Ploskov.
Her stance on the frontier tension is clear, “I think that we all must calm down and understand that each state must develop separately not hindering but assisting each other. We all are responsible for people’s fates. All that must be immediately stopped.”
Why is Azerbaijan taking such steps? Mrs. Ploskov answered, “Alas, I cannot answer instead of Azerbaijan. I can see the fact, which I cannot welcome. I don’t understand why we cannot live under peaceful sky. Every state thinks of its future and children.”
The Israeli delegation laid flowers in memory of Armenian Genocide victims. Mrs Ploskov highlighted that everybody must call for peace. “There, inside the memorial complex, a pigeon was sitting on one of the pillars, and it was a sign. Pigeon is a symbol of peace. As I can understand, it is the first time such a delegation has arrived in Armenia and it shows that we, two nations, must get closer and understand each other. It is clear, that we all must strive for peace and we will do our best for that peace. I call on two sides to stop all this. What are we doing, for whom?”
The official noted that the history of Armenian and Israeli people is very similar. While speaking about the Armenian Genocide, she noted that she cannot remain indifferent to the death of such a large number of people, “At present I cannot make a statement on behalf of the state, but I understand that we stand by you.”
To the remark, that the NKR MOD refuted the Azerbaijani side’s information about cease-fire, she said, “I regret to listen to it. I haven’t met with the Azerbaijani side, but one thing is certain, all we must understand that we need peace.”
“I am very happy that such a serious delegation from the Knesset is here. It is another opportunity so that we can draw our nations closer, and the feelings that exist in our societies,” noted President of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations. According to his words, the statements on restraint don’t help anymore and very often Azerbaijan makes use of those statements. “It is very important that the international community make addressed statements. It is clear that Azerbaijan has violated the cease-fire very often. But what has been happening for these two days is full military operations with the use of all types of military equipment.”
Mr Zakaryan commented on Azerbaijan’s readiness for a cease-fire, “It is a trap. Shelling from large-caliber weapons continues. It is a step to show the international community that allegedly ‘I have listened to your calls’. Today Azerbaijan is trying to solve its political problems by military means. But the Armenian Armed forces and the NKR DA won’t allow the Azerbaijani side to achieve even little success with the help of small and big ventures. If Azerbaijan strives for success, it must be realized only through negotiations.”
The delegation also visited the Armenian Genocide Museum-institute. To note, the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset today will meet with the Foreign Minister.
