HayaKve initiative submits 58,000 signatures to CEC demanding criminalization of recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan

YEREVAN, August 31. /ARKA/. Coordinators of HayaKve (Armenian Vote) public initiative submitted lists with more than 58,000 signatures of citizens to the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Armenia.

The initiative proposes to criminalize any actions on behalf of the Republic of Armenia that recognize Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as part of another state and belittle the Armenian Genocide. 

The initiate is led by Avetik Chalabyan, an activist from «5156" movement. Aram Petrosyan, co-coordinator of the initiative, told abc media that the CEC should confirm the authenticity of these 58,000 signatures within one month. Then the legislative initiative will be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration.

The coordinators of the initiative argue that if approved by the parliament, it would significantly strengthen Armenia's position in the negotiation process.

"This process will become a kind of proof for the world that the Armenian people are not ready to cede Artsakh in any form," said Abraham Gasparyan, a co-coordinator of the initiative.

He said the signatures have already been digitized and only 0.5% have been declared invalid.   

The initiative says these demands are based on the Declaration of Independence of Armenia, its Constitution and the decision of the Supreme Council of Armenia of July 8, 1992 on supporting the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and protecting the rights of its population, as well as on the unacceptability of any international or domestic document, which recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he was ready to recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan on condition that it guarantees the rights and security of its Armenian population. -0-