Artsakh parliament expresses outrage at distorted formulations of Armenian PM

Throughout the history of the Karabakh conflict, statements distorting the essence of the problem are periodically exaggerated, which complicate and confuse the process of a comprehensive and final settlement of the conflict, the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh reported.

“We consider inadmissible any statement by various political forces and figures that casts doubt on or belittles the subjectivity of the Republic of Artsakh and its Armenian future. It is puzzling that the last such statement was made on December 24 by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, answering questions from representatives of the media and public organizations.

‘”The fate of Artsakh was not and will not be a monopoly of any political force. Representing the opinion and position of broad public and political circles of the Republic of Artsakh, we express our disagreement and indignation at a number of dangerous and distorted formulations and ideas voiced during the interview.

“Concern is also caused by the fact that against the background of the results of the national liberation struggle of 1988 – the Karabakh movement – formulations are voiced that cast doubt on the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Republic of Artsakh), proclaimed on September 2, 1991 and formed in full accordance with the norms international law, and its long struggle to achieve international recognition.

“The legal and political foundations of the Armenian parties in the negotiation process in previous years and the protection of our national interests in this context did not enter into any contradiction with the positions of international structures and mediators.

“The fact that the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh has never been ignored in the proposals previously submitted by the mediators is confirmed by the explanations of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

“Speculations about the working options discussed in the negotiation process over the years and a possible change in the format of the negotiations cause concern and concern.

“We consider unacceptable statements that question the belonging of Artsakh to the Armenians and emphasize the importance of the presence of possible extraneous elements, which are rejected and condemned in memory of the thousands of Armenians who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of Artsakh.

“Admiring all the victims of the Artsakh liberation struggle, we simultaneously express our gratitude to all Armenians, in particular to our compatriots from the Republic of Armenia, for standing next to Artsakh, sharing its suffering and hardships.

“The fraternal relations between the two Armenian republics have been based on a resolution adopted on July 8, 1992 by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia, which clearly defined the attitude of the Republic of Armenia, as a full member of the international community, to the Republic of Artsakh striving for international recognition. According to this resolution, Armenia undertakes to “consistently support the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and protect the rights of its population”, and it is also established that “any international or domestic document in which the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will be indicated as a part of Azerbaijan is unacceptable for the Republic of Armenia.” This formula is still valid today.

“The National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, reaffirming the adherence of the people and the authorities of Artsakh to the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Artsakh, declares that it is inadmissible to express any position without taking into account the point of view of the authorities of Artsakh, since only the legal authorities formed by the citizens of the Republic of Artsakh through elections have the right to make decisions regarding the future of the Republic of Artsakh.”