Azerbaijani Policy Has Not Changed Over the Years: Arman Tatoyan

Our territorial losses have been more severe when governments have not prioritized the rights of village residents in border disputes. This was stated by Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan on his Facebook page.

“Our territorial losses have been more severe when governments have not prioritized the rights of village residents in border disputes. For example, between the villages of Barana (currently Novy Nakhichevan, Tavush Province) and Ghaymakhli (Ghaymakhlu), an area of 1002 desyatins known as the 'Aji' section was part of the First Republic from 1918 to 1920, and later until 1924 within Soviet Armenia. The forests in this area were rich in trees, and the pastures were extremely suitable for livestock, making them of paramount importance for the villagers. They had significant security implications.

The Azerbaijani authorities at that time made great efforts to seize this territory, realizing that this would allow them to cut off the northeastern territories of Armenia from each other and establish control over the roads. This solution would create serious problems for the rights of the residents of the Soviet Armenian villages, not only from a socio-economic standpoint but also from a security perspective.

The government of that time did not view the issues from the perspective of human rights; it showed inconsistency regarding these vital matters. As a result, with the decision of the Central Executive Committee of Transcaucasia's land commission on October 31, 1924, the northeastern part of the 'Aji' section, totaling 612 desyatins, was handed over to the Azerbaijani SSR, while the southwestern part of 390 desyatins remained with the Armenian SSR. Thus, Armenia lost most of this territory.

This further proves that the Azerbaijani authorities have always had ambitions toward Armenian territories that could facilitate their division, allow for penetration into Armenian territory, and establish control over roads and civil infrastructure. This has not been a coincidence, as they have not ceased and have continued the same policy towards new territories.

Armenian governments have repeatedly disregarded the rights and security of villagers, approaching border issues with a territorial-political and mechanical mindset. Now, we must learn lessons from the past and prioritize human rights in border issues, remembering that Azerbaijani policy has not changed over the years.”

Note: A desyatina is an old unit of land measurement equivalent to 2400 square sazhens or 1.09 hectares.