Davit Babayan Discusses Entry Procedures into Artsakh

No radical changes have occurred in the procedures for entering the Republic of Artsakh. This was stated by Davit Babayan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh, during a session of the National Assembly in response to a question from the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Gagik Bagunts.

“We continue to issue entry visas to citizens of those countries that need to obtain the appropriate permission. Additionally, there are countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter, but it is mandatory for them to present themselves at the permanent representation of Artsakh in the Republic of Armenia and obtain the corresponding document that allows their entry into Artsakh. The need to further regulate this process is due to the concerns of Russian peacekeepers that certain terrorist elements might infiltrate Artsakh. If, God forbid, they manage to carry out any action in Artsakh, then that responsibility also falls within the jurisdiction of the Russian peacekeeping mission. In this context, the entry process needs to be more regulated. It is required that before their visit, foreign citizens present themselves at the representation in Armenia, after which their data will be transferred to us and also, one day prior, to the Russian peacekeepers. They have greater opportunities to determine whether the individual is associated with any terrorist organization or not. So far, there hasn’t been a case where they would express doubts and state that an individual should not be allowed to enter the Republic of Artsakh. This regulation will enhance security,” Babayan said, adding that the entry of diaspora Armenians into Artsakh will not be restricted in any way. “It will simply be necessary to wait one day for the list to be presented so that there are no issues,” the foreign minister clarified.