After paying his respects, he held a press briefing to discuss several pressing issues

 We suffered a heavy defeat during the war, and this government has turned that defeat into an ongoing process. For over four years, we have been stuck in a cycle of continually conceding, giving away, and renouncing parts of our identity. This has been a draining experience for our people. In this context, the denial of the Genocide is felt even more painfully by many.

 

 I was the one who integrated the recognition of the Armenian Genocide into Armenia's foreign policy. During my presidency, we saw the highest number of countries recognize the Genocide. Those who did nothing for this cause are making foolish statements.

 

 The denial of the Genocide will ultimately lead to the denial of those who attempt to deny it — our people will forget them.

 

 In 2015, near the Russian Embassy, there was an attempt to burn the Russian flag by the very individuals who now hold high-ranking positions in the country, such as the Foreign Minister and aides to the Prime Minister. If that act was utterly unacceptable, we must ask: are double standards being applied regarding Russia and Turkey? It’s simply shameful. At the very least, they have no right to speak on this topic.

 

 Connecting the recent shootings in Khoznavar to the burning of the Azerbaijani and Turkish flags is absurd. Were those shots fired in preparation, a month in advance? Were they getting ready for something related to the flag burnings?