Artsakh Today: Wounded but Standing, Final Clarification Needed on Artsakh’s Status, Says Pashinyan

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Artsakh.

“Thirty years ago on this day, the people of Artsakh declared the creation of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh through a proclamation adopted by their legitimate governing bodies. This declaration confirmed the rights of the Artsakh Armenians to determine their own lives and futures and to live freely. This decision was strengthened by a nationwide referendum held on December 10 of the same year. Thus, this expression of the will of the people, which was the result of the movement that began in 1988, was an example of the expression of the right to self-determination of nations in the 20th century, based on the aspiration of our people for democratization and the establishment of freedom. It was carried out in accordance with the letter and spirit of the legislation and constitutional law of the USSR and was flawless in both form and content.

The people of Artsakh exercised their legal right, and any violence directed against it is an affront to humanity, human civilization, and the natural rights of man. Such was the violence inflicted on the people of Artsakh immediately after the declaration of independence—the war, which brought the term 'Nagorno-Karabakh conflict' into the international relations agenda. The OSCE Minsk Group was established, with the three co-chair countries entrusted with a mediation mission aimed at resolving the conflict. Unfortunately, the conflict remained unresolved, and violence continued, reaching one of its most disgraceful manifestations in the 2020 war unleashed against the Republic of Artsakh, which aimed to resolve the conflict by force. This war, despite all efforts of the adversary, did not achieve its goal. Today, Artsakh, though wounded, stands firm and has the full support and solidarity of Armenia and the entire Armenian nation.

We remember all our fallen heroes who fought for the freedom of Artsakh and bow our heads in their honor. The right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination is sacred. It cannot be suspended by the use of force. That is why we insist in all international platforms today that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not settled. This is also evidenced by the statements of the co-chairing countries. The conflict awaits its comprehensive resolution through a peaceful process based on the well-known principles proposed and defended by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship.

As a result of the process, the status of Artsakh should be finally clarified based on the right of nations to self-determination. The resumption of the peace process within the framework of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship will also be a significant factor in establishing and maintaining stability in the region. We are fully aware that in the 21st century, nations cannot survive, be competitive, and develop without favorable conditions necessary for economic and scientific advancement. Therefore, the stability of the external environment and lasting peace indeed become a necessity for all peoples of the region.

I congratulate everyone on the occasion of the Republic of Artsakh Day. I wish the people of Artsakh robust health and resilience of spirit. I believe that Artsakh can become a symbol of lasting peace and stability in our region,” the message states.