There is a fundamental international principle. We are still dealing with an unfinished military conflict, Tatoyan

Since the moment it was announced that certain events were taking place in Tavush related to borders, we have been monitoring daily, keeping in contact, and conducting research. The experience in Syunik has shown that proper public communication is essential. This was stated by the Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, in an interview with Radio Liberty.

He highlighted that one of the reasons for the problems in Syunik is the lack of information provided to people despite the real situation existing. This uncertainty still persists both in Syunik and, as we can see, in Tavush as well.

“If public communication does not proceed correctly in the near future, serious problems may arise. We are currently working in Tavush, albeit unofficially. The research process is still underway,” he said.

Arman Tatoyan assured that if human rights abuses come to light, as they did in Syunik, he will certainly intervene and seek solutions within his powers.

Referring to the proposal to create a neutral zone in Syunik, the Human Rights Defender emphasized, “It implies the withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from the areas immediately adjacent to Syunik villages. We have calculated the lethal distance of gunfire. Several times, when I presented evidence regarding gunfire, there was official messaging claiming that the Azerbaijanis were merely shooting into the air. From a human rights perspective, this is incomprehensible. How can one calculate whether they are firing regularly or irregularly?”

Tatoyan noted that while Aliyev continues to make fascist statements and provoke people with signs after the war, is peace going to be at Armenia's expense? “The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there is no talk of demarcation or delimitation; at the border near the Azerbaijani villages, they have appeared under the threat of war and force. This does not stem from the foundations of international law,” Tatoyan said and mentioned that they are preparing a report regarding the new concept, which will exclusively consist of evidence and facts.

“The situation prevailing in Syunik can create a discourse that fundamental human rights are of no importance in terms of security. This is the best example to show that human rights are not principles merely written on paper.

Answering the question of whether internal events in Armenia could hinder the return of prisoners, Arman Tatoyan noted that discussing this issue is unacceptable, and Azerbaijan has already politicized it extensively. “This is primarily beneficial for Aliyev,” he said.

Referring to Aliyev's statement that all prisoners have been returned, and the rest are saboteurs, the Human Rights Defender noted, “This is a clear manipulation. There is a fundamental international principle. We are still dealing with an unfinished military conflict. According to international humanitarian law, if you do not have an unfinished conflict, captives hold the status of prisoners of war. Artificial delays in the return of prisoners are a war crime.”

Arman Tatoyan considered the current internal political situation in the country concerning due to mutual insults, intolerance, and polarization of society to be alarming. Regarding attempts of a military coup, Tatoyan emphasized that there should not even be talk of that, and everything in our country must develop along the path of democracy.