Demarcation Along the 'Lachin' Corridor Will Destroy Artsakh's Opportunities, Says Abovyan

Former MP Arman Abovyan writes:

“When the issue of so-called delimitation and demarcation between Armenia and the occupying Azerbaijan is discussed, apart from the evident dangers and questionable nature of this process, for some reason, one aspect that actually makes this process critical for us is ignored—within the context of future processes surrounding the Republic of Artsakh.

I will not discuss the unacceptability of demarcation altogether under the current circumstances around Armenia; let’s just understand one fact together.

Look, demarcation implies a definitive adjustment of borders and recognition of the territorial integrity of states. In other words, if this process begins, I am convinced that the Azerbaijani side will exert the main pressure regarding Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Tavush.

With regard to Syunik, apart from the well-known 'disputed' territories (which are, in fact, not even disputed, but directly occupied by Azerbaijan, the Odyssean route of the Goris-Kapan road is an example), Azerbaijanis will demand an urgent demarcation in the direction of the so-called 'Lachin Corridor.' Why? It is very clear that when the Armenian side accepts that part of this area as Azerbaijan's border, then the Pashinyan government will automatically and politically separate the logistical connection between Artsakh and Armenia, effectively acknowledging that the Artsakh issue shifts into the domain of Azerbaijan's internal problems.

Simply put, demarcation along the 'Lachin' corridor will completely eliminate all opportunities for the Republic of Artsakh to gain independence in the future, and considering the current government of Armenia's silence regarding the independence processes of the Republic of Artsakh, I believe that the complete annihilation of Artsakh is more than realistic today.”