Artsakh Parliamentary Delegation Not Invited to September 21 Event: Statement

The factions of the Artsakh National Assembly, namely 'Justice,' 'Armenian Revolutionary Federation,' and 'Democratic Party of Artsakh,' have issued a statement, which reads:

“After last year’s devastating war, the state celebrations on September 2 and September 21 in the two Armenian republics were the best opportunity to convey to our people and the world the potential solutions to the pressing issues concerning the community and the inviolability of ties between Artsakh and Armenia. However, as could have been anticipated from the current authorities of Armenia and Artsakh, everything has been done to the detriment of the public, which is in a psychologically complex situation, to pull them out of this crisis. The organization of what they described as a 'colorful event' in the central square of Yerevan on the evening of September 21, amidst justified public dissatisfaction, indicates that the current authorities prioritize a childish approach of 'not backing down from what has been said' over a state-driven behavior.

It was surprising for the public that no officials from the high leadership of Armenia attended the events of the Republic of Artsakh Day on September 2, despite the presence of relevant invitations, and that only the parliamentary delegation arrived in Stepanakert. It was to be expected that, as in previous years, an invitation would be extended to the Artsakh parliamentary delegation to attend the events dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia on September 21; however, the protocol requirements have been overlooked once again in this case.

By rejecting the opportunities to strengthen the traditions of statehood, the current authorities of the Republic of Armenia cast doubt on the subjectivity of the Republic of Artsakh. Such an attitude, along with previously observed shortcomings, is laden with serious dangers and, regardless of the motivations, significantly harms the reputation of the Republic of Artsakh, which aspires to international recognition, as well as sends negative signals to international organizations involved in the resolution process.”