Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Issues Important Official Statement on Demarcation and Delimitation Processes

As a result of my visit to the Syunik region of Armenia, I sent an official inquiry to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the demarcation and delimitation processes, considering their direct impact on human rights in the current situation. This was stated by Armenia's Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, on his Facebook page.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia has issued an important official position. Below, I publish it in full:

“The delimitation (demarcation) of state borders and the demarcation (demarcation) are bilateral international processes that require the existence of a joint commission and the conduct of expert discussions and negotiations within its framework. A primary condition for the aforementioned processes is the existence of bilateral normal, including diplomatic relations between neighboring states.

In international practice, in order to carry out the delimitation and demarcation processes between neighboring countries, a corresponding intergovernmental commission is formed (headed by representatives of the countries' foreign policy agencies), consisting of representatives and experts from state bodies (from foreign policy, defense, and security sectors) concerned.

The first phase of the work of such commissions usually concludes with a separate bilateral agreement on the legal basis of delimitation, and subsequently, after the completion of delimitation, also on the joint implementation of demarcation processes. After the successful completion of the bilateral process by the commission, an agreement on the border is concluded between the two states, which records the resolution of all issues related to border matters.

Before the start of the aforementioned processes and their successful completion, the deployment of armed forces or border troops along the state border for the purpose of conducting combat duty is exclusively a defensive and security measure within the lines effectively controlled by the parties, which is directly or mediated negotiated between the representatives of the armed forces. Therefore, the implementation of ongoing measures is not related to status issues and cannot be interpreted as a final agreement on delimitation and demarcation or a mechanical confirmation of existing administrative borders.”

As noted, the Human Rights Defender's office has established effective cooperation and reliable partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia on various issues, especially with our country's permanent representatives in international organizations and with ambassadors in several countries,” he wrote.