Artsakh Has Been and Will Remain Armenian: President of Artsakh on Pashinyan's Statement

Artsakh President Araik Harutyunyan has issued a statement regarding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent comments on the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict and the concerns raised, particularly among the Armenians of Artsakh. He emphasized several key points that he has reiterated in various messages and statements:

1. The full recognition of the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination is non-negotiable and not subject to limitation or concession; the exclusive right to this matter belongs to the people of Artsakh. Hence, only the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh are authorized to speak on behalf of the population of Artsakh.

2. The international recognition of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh is our primary goal, and no authority can deviate from this. Therefore, the people and authorities of Artsakh will never accept any status within Azerbaijan until our goal is achieved.

3. There can be no return to the past, either in terms of status or demographics. What kind of coexistence is being discussed when Azerbaijan continues to nurture its society with hatred towards Armenians and prepares not for peace, but for the depopulation of Artsakh? Of course, we are in favor of a peaceful resolution to the conflict and are prepared to make efforts in this direction; however, the vital rights, interests, and needs of our people are non-negotiable.

4. The territorial integrity of the Republic of Artsakh must be restored at least in those areas where the Republic of Artsakh was proclaimed in 1991. Therefore, our occupied territories must be de-occupied and their residents should be able to return to their ancestral homes.

5. Regarding the security of Artsakh, we will continue our efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the Defense Army, and the Russian peacekeeping forces must remain in Artsakh in a stable and indefinite manner until a final and just resolution of the conflict is achieved and additional international guarantees for security are provided.

6. Without delving into the details of the past negotiation process, it should simply be noted that the moment we are in now is much more responsible and decisive than ever before. Hence, we have no right to make mistakes; otherwise, those mistakes could be fatal for Artsakh and Mother Armenia.

7. If any Armenian wishes to support Artsakh, they must take into account the will and aspirations of the people of Artsakh; otherwise, they should refrain from obstruction.

8. All authorities are temporary, but our goals and positions must remain strong and unwavering. Unity around our national values and objectives is crucial, and as I indicated, in the matter of the resolution of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, the guiding principle for every Armenian and authority should be the will and goals of the people of Artsakh.

Artsakh has been and will remain Armenian for millennia, and the people of Artsakh possess sufficient will and strategic patience to continue this struggle. Regardless of anyone's will or opinion, I am confident that the people of Artsakh will continue their just fight for the international recognition of Artsakh's independence and the defense of their homeland.