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MP Tigran Abrahamyan of the opposition Pativ Unem faction has reacted to false Azerbaijani reports of ceasefire violations by the Artsakh and Armenian troops in recent days, saying the country is pursuing an aggressive information policy.

“Official statements on ceasefire violations in different sections by Artsakh and Armenia are being constantly spread in an apparent attempt to make a splash about these "violations". It seems that Azerbaijan is gearing up for fresh aggression,” he wrote on Facebook on Monday, highlighting the denials repeatedly issues by the Armenian Defense Ministry and the Artsakh Defense Army.

Abrahamyan states Azerbaijan never carries out such “information attacks” by accident.

“Incidentally, a few days ago, unofficial reports were spread in one of the Azerbaijani telegram channels, warning against attempts to take pictures of the movement of military equipment, weapons and military columns and publish them. Even, a military reporter has been detained for a military-related post,” the lawmaker said.

“At the same time, various Azerbaijani officials spoke about the demilitarization of Artsakh, sometimes through hints, stressing the need for a so-called "anti-terror operation". Moreover, there are talks about the movements of the enemy in different border sections.

“At this point it is difficult to say exactly what kind of movements it’s about: exercises, engineering work, a demonstration of force or preparation for local military operations. Only the state and its competent agencies can possess such information, but the authorities remain silent.

“From this point of view, two main scenarios are possible. First, Azerbaijan, dissatisfied with the process of negotiations with Armenia, has resorted to blackmail through troop movements and tough rhetoric, threatening to achieve its territorial and political aspirations through the use of force.

“Second, my biggest fear is that Azerbaijan may be playing an aggression coordinated with the Armenian authorities for the handover of new territories to Baku: areas which are to be ceded as part of secret deals, but their peaceful surrender may lead to loss of power for the Armenian leaders, who are primarily concerned about maintaining their grip on power rather than defending the country’s territorial integrity.

“After the 44-day war, the Armenian authorities assured the public that by striking a disgraceful deal with Azerbaijan they had saved the lives of 25,000 people and by surrendering Kovsakan and Sanasar they had prevented a new large-scale aggression.

“After the war, the surrender of Artsakh and Armenia continues, while the authorities continue to defend their moves and look for new "excuses" to justify their concessions. Is it agreed surrender or blackmail by Azerbaijan? In both cases we are dealing with processes which may lead to dire consequences for Armenia and Artsakh,” Abrahamyan wrote.