Karabakh leader dissolves all state institutions: Artsakh Republic ceases to exist

YEREVAN, September 28. /ARKA/. Nagorno-Karabakh president Samvel Shahramanyan has signed a decree on the actions arising from the situation created after September 19, 2023, the president’s press service reported.

According to the decree, regarding the created complicated military and political situation, based on the priority of ensuring the physical security and vital interests of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), taking into account the agreement reached through the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent with the representatives of the Republic of Azerbaijan that free, voluntary and unimpeded passage of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the military personnel who have laid down their arms, with their property in their vehicles through the Lachin corridor shall be ensured, and

1. To dissolve all state institutions and affiliated organizations until 1 January 2024, and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) shall cease to exist.

2. The population of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those outside it, after the entry into force of this decree, shall familiarize themselves with the conditions of reintegration presented by the Republic of Azerbaijan in order to make an independent and individual decision on the possibility of staying (returning) in Nagorno-Karabakh.

This decree shall come into force immediately after its publication.

On September 19 Azerbaijan launched an "anti-terror" operation in the region demanding that Karabakh's forces raise a white flag, disband their armed forces and dissolve their "illegal regime".

After 24-hour fierce fighting the ethnic Armenian authorities in Stepanakert gave in. Under the terms of the truce, outlined by Azerbaijan and the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent on the ground, Karabakh armed forces committed to being completely disbanded as well as disarmed.

More than 200 people, including children, were killed in Nagorno-Karabakh in the 24-hopur fighting and more than 400 wounded.

Azerbaijani officials and Karabakh’s Armenian representatives have had a series of meetings already for "re-integration" talks.

Armenia’s government said on Wednesday that more than 65,000 Karabakh refugees so far had crossed the border, out of a total estimated Karabakh Armenian population of 120,000. -0-