Azerbaijan Undermines Armenia's International Reputation Before the Global Community: MP

"We have rejected any proposals that would appear to cross red lines," stated Arzvik Minasyan, a member of the 'Armenia' parliamentary faction, during a parliamentary briefing, referring to the opposition's proposed statement regarding Artsakh, which was not accepted by the parliamentary majority.

Minasyan noted that the majority had at least one day to present a proposal. In a conversation with journalists, the MP pointed out that there were several red lines in the statement. The first is that not only has a crime against humanity occurred against Armenia and Artsakh, but also the territory of Artsakh has been occupied. There has been an incursion of Azerbaijani Armed Forces into the territory of Armenia, and a clear attempt is being made for fortification work.

"No authority in Armenia, no official can negotiate or give written or verbal consent contrary to the decision of the National Assembly on July 8, 1992, which states that it is unacceptable for Armenia to see Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, and Armenia must ensure the protection of the rights of the Artsakh people. Also, there can be no change in the territory of Armenia without a referendum."

Minasyan emphasized that international actions should be taken against Azerbaijan and Turkey regarding accountability for condemnation and international prosecution, as Azerbaijan continues to commit war crimes related to the forcibly disappeared and prisoners of war. Azerbaijan also presents unilaterally distorted information to the international community, undermining Armenia's international reputation.

Minasyan reminded that the Government is subject to parliamentary oversight. "This is actually a tool in the hands of the executive authority, so that if it wants to protect the interests of the Armenian people, it can use this tool, but we saw that the political majority tried to bring this into a realm of political nuance and refused to join in." The MP added that Azerbaijani media covered this in a way detrimental to the Armenian people.

Parliamentary faction member Seyran Ohanyan added that the text of the statement had been with the political majority for a long time, was discussed, and they had certain questions. If they had the desire to adopt it, they could have discussed it with the opposition and accepted the statement.