All 4 UNSC Resolutions Recognize the Authorities of Artsakh as a Party to the Conflict - Ani Samsonyan

The UN Security Council does not consider the issue of Artsakh to be subject to political resolution. This was stated by MP Ani Samsonyan during her speech at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Her full speech is presented below.

“I would like to draw attention to several aspects of the reports. Including all the principles of the Helsinki Final Act will strengthen the draft resolution, while ignoring principles such as human rights and fundamental freedoms, equal rights, and the right of peoples to self-determination will affect its value. I would like to remind that last year in the Berlin Declaration, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly equally addressed all the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. What message do we want to convey? Are we against this or not, dear colleagues?

We have positively noted the changes made by the members of the delegation of the co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group, which, albeit in a slightly different way, nevertheless attempt to balance the messages according to the position of the international mediators.

Immediately after the Velvet Revolution, the Armenian government has been actively involved in negotiations under the auspices of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship. Several meetings have taken place at the level of both the leaders and foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. They have led to a sharp decrease in tensions in the conflict zone and efforts aimed at establishing confidence-building measures between the parties. The parties have agreed to strengthen the ceasefire regime, create a direct communication line, and take measures to prepare people for peace.

The current chair of the OSCE, the UN Secretary-General, and the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group have recognized the positive dynamics and constructiveness of the dialogue between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

My esteemed colleague Mr. Guliyev contradicts his minister. The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia reaffirmed their intention to continue their efforts to find a resolution to the Artsakh conflict.

Our partner from Azerbaijan referred to the UN Security Council resolutions. I want to emphasize that the UN Security Council does not consider the issue of Artsakh to be subject to political resolution, nor has it restricted the application of the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination. All four resolutions of the UN Security Council regarding the Artsakh conflict were adopted during active military operations, which confirmed the immediate call for a ceasefire. Unfortunately, despite significant reductions in tension, the complete ceasefire and its consolidation remain a challenge to this day. Furthermore, the resolutions recognize the authorities of Artsakh as a party to the conflict.

The resolution of the UN General Assembly, to which Azerbaijan refers, has been rejected by the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, which reveals its actual value. Dear colleagues, a majority of EU countries did not support this UN resolution.

Preparing the population for peace requires political will stemming from public support. It is unlikely to yield results amidst the absence of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Peace comes with values such as political participation, free elections, active civil society, and a free press. The radicalization of Azerbaijani society, forming dividing lines even in sports, is delaying the process of a peaceful resolution to the issue.

Further democratic transformations in the South Caucasus could create a favorable environment for real dialogue between the societies of Artsakh, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

We value not 1000 square kilometers, but 1000 human lives, their rights, and daily suffering. In the 21st century, human rights and the desire of people to shape their future free from oppression and persecution are paramount. If the draft resolution is adopted in its current wording, it may undermine the positive dynamics of the peace process, leading to miscalculations and consequently increasing tensions in the conflict zone.”