PHOTOS: Armenian and Azerbaijani Positions Face to Face. The Ombudsman Released Photographs

The Armenian Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, has published photographs from the border on his Facebook page during his visit to the Syunik Province alongside President Armen Sarkissian, stating that "Our armed forces and border troops serve with heroic devotion."

On April 19, the joint visit of President Armen Sarkissian and Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan to Syunik Province began. "In Khnadzakh, a primary issue is the restoration of the rights of the villagers, which have been violated due to the proximity of Azerbaijani armed forces to the village. The residents cannot utilize their land and gardens due to security concerns; they cannot access pastures and meadows. This situation deprives people of their source of family income. In other words, their economic rights related to property, economic activity, and other socio-economic rights of vital importance have been violated. Moreover, the lives, health, physical and mental integrity of civilians, as well as other internationally recognized rights are endangered. The created situation is also problematic regarding the best interests of children from a security standpoint."

Additional concerns raised by the residents of Khnadzakh included issues related to their rights after becoming a border community, the state's support in socio-economic matters, and children’s rights, particularly regarding their access to preschool and school education.

Joint discussions involving the President and Human Rights Defender took place in Goris with the mayor of the Goris community, as well as leaders from Hartashen, Nerkin Khndzoresk, Karahunj, and several other rural areas, alongside the community leader of Sisian. Issues concerning the rights of people in these communities and their concerns were thoroughly discussed.

It is evident that the presence of Azerbaijani armed forces near the villages of Syunik Province has no legal basis and is illegal. The Human Rights Defender has reiterated multiple times that this presence is entirely illegitimate based on specific legal justifications. It is important to note the President of Armenia's stance, acknowledging that there is uncertainty regarding the borders, which violates the rights of the villagers. Therefore, it is clear that in order to ensure human rights in Syunik, a security zone must be established.

The offices of the President of Armenia and the Human Rights Defender will summarize the results of this joint visit and will take relevant actions as necessary, including collaboration," states a message disseminated by the defender's office.