President Harutyunyan: Artsakh was not and will not be part of Azerbaijan
YEREVAN, May 24, //ARKA/. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan welcomed a statement issued by the Artsakh National Assembly regarding Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s announcement that Armenia was ready to recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan provided that Azerbaijan guarantees the rights and security of Karabakh ethnic Armenian population.
"I emphasize that any statement and document that ignores the sovereignty of the Republic of Artsakh, the right of its people to self-determination and the fact of its implementation are unacceptable to us," Harutyunyan said in a statement.
"Artsakh has not been and will not be part of Azerbaijan because that is the will of our people, who have enough determination to fight for their rights and interests. I am confident that the one who is fighting is not alone, and not only all Armenians will continue to support our struggle, but there will be supporters in the international arena. Yes, the situation is difficult, but not hopeless, and the Artsakh authorities are taking and will continue to take possible practical steps to confront external and internal challenges," the President said.
Harutyunyan also urged the Armenian authorities to refrain from any actions and statements about recognition of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.
Addressing the authorities of the Russian Federation and personally Russian President Vladimir Putin, Harutyunyan called for the fulfillment of obligations under the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement: opening the Lachin corridor, removing all Azerbaijani obstacles, releasing 120,000 residents of Artsakh from terrorist captivity and preventing aggressive actions by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh.
"Russia made clear commitments that were a strong basis for ensuring the return of the people of Artsakh after the war (in 2020 autumn). Therefore, we expect steadfast and resolute fulfillment of these commitments for the sake of the people of Artsakh and the interests of the Russian Federation, as well as the centuries-old friendship of the Armenian and Russian peoples," he said.
The President also called on the people and authorities of Azerbaijan to put an end to the policy of hatred and genocide against the people of Artsakh, to be ready to sincerely accept the principle of equality of peoples and the rights of the indigenous Armenian people of Artsakh.
"We are ready for dialogue (with Azerbaijan) in an international format, conflict resolution and peace, but on the basis of the norms and principles of international law, especially the right of peoples to equality and self-determination, non-use of force and threat of force, peaceful resolution of disputes and principles of territorial integrity. We pose no threat to Azerbaijan, but, on the other hand, the people of Artsakh have the right to self-defense and the Republic of Artsakh has the right to defend its people. Despite constant threats from Azerbaijan, I am confident that creating a peaceful and dignified environment and ending centuries-old enmity stems from the interests and aspirations of our peoples," Harutyunyan said.
The President of Artsakh called also on the international community, and especially the UN Security Council, to prioritize the proper implementation by Azerbaijan of the February 22, 2023 judgment of the International Court of Justice (to open the Lachin corridor), as well as to guarantee the security of the people of Artsakh, using the necessary instruments, in accordance with the principles and objectives of the UN," Harutyunyan stressed. -0-
