On What Basis Do You Consider Certain Areas Azerbaijani or Not? The Ombudsman's Statement

The statements made by Armenian officials that ignore people's constitutional rights and justify the Azerbaijani checkpoints on the Goris-Kapan and Kapan-Jacatén roads have become extremely dangerous. They claim these locations are within the Republic of Azerbaijan. Constant references are made to alternative routes and some unspecified maps from the USSR. This was stated by Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.

Do you understand that with your statements you are legitimizing the illegal placements of Azerbaijani armed and law enforcement forces, who carry out illegal actions and commit crimes against the residents of the Republic of Armenia?

How long can we talk about alternative roads? These so-called alternative routes do not eliminate the security threats to the population of Armenia or the violations of constitutional rights and cannot be comprehensive solutions.

Do you realize that under the guise of unblocking roads, the Azerbaijani authorities are implementing a targeted policy aimed at isolating the civilian settlements of Armenia and creating humanitarian problems?

How do you envision the protection of the rights of Armenian citizens against these Azerbaijani actions? Whom should they turn to, and what procedure should they follow?

Do you know that after the war, the Azerbaijani authorities have only intensified hatred and the promotion of enmity?

Do you understand that near our villages, on the Goris-Kapan and Kapan-Jacatén roads, there are Azerbaijani services that have brutally tortured and killed our servicemen and civilians and have not faced punishment for these actions?

There has been no delimitation or demarcation between the two countries; on what basis do you consider certain areas Azerbaijani or not?

Which legal act gives you the right to make statements that violate the constitutional and internationally recognized rights of citizens of the Republic of Armenia?

This statement is made publicly, taking into account that these dangerous emphases are gaining wide circulation in the statements of various Armenian officials, including high-ranking ones, and therefore there is an urgent need to prevent them.

Conflicting and human rights-violating or threatening statements from various officials must be excluded, as they deepen uncertainty in society. In reality, the state’s strategy must consider the connection between border security issues and human rights, as well as the state’s positive obligation to protect the rights of its citizens.