The '5165 Movement' Issues a Statement

The '5165 Movement' demands that the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia initiate the process of recognizing the independence of Artsakh.

The statement specifically mentions: 'Dear compatriots, the highest leadership of the Republic of Armenia has expressed willingness to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan while leaving Artsakh under Azerbaijani control. It is time to soberly assess the reality. Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is an illusion without the realization of Artsakh's right to self-determination, an illusion that tries to dull our society’s vigilance. Moreover, all of Azerbaijan's actions and statements indicate a greater appetite for Syunik, Gegharkunik, Yerevan, and so on. The salvation of Artsakh is also the salvation of Armenia. Without a self-determined Artsakh, there can be no secure Armenia. Therefore, the recognition of Artsakh’s independence is imperative for the salvation of the people of Artsakh and ensuring the solid security of Armenia.'

'The '5165 Movement' demands that the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia initiate the process of recognizing Artsakh's independence and begin efforts toward its international recognition. There are many reasons for such a demand, but let us highlight a few below:

• Azerbaijan continues to seize new territories of Artsakh under the control of peacekeeping forces, violating the obligations it assumed under the November 9 statement,
• It continues policies of ethnic cleansing, genocide, and displacement through military advances, terrorism, provocations, and creating humanitarian crises,
• Azerbaijan publicly declares that Artsakh does not exist,
• The Republic of Armenia has not yet officially recognized the Republic of Artsakh in order not to disrupt the peace process being implemented by the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group,
• Today, the realization of the right to self-determination of Artsakh and the opportunity for its people to decide their own fate is the necessary and perhaps the only legal guarantee for ensuring their security,
• The recognition of the Republic of Artsakh by the Republic of Armenia is a key precondition for its recognition by other sovereign states.

Recognizing that only through our collective actions can we halt the final loss of Artsakh, we will initiate a series of actions aimed at prompting the Government of Armenia, the international community, and, first and foremost, the co-chair countries of the Minsk Group, to address the agenda of recognizing Artsakh's independence for the sake of saving Artsakh. Join us. We call on the political parties of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, civil society organizations, institutions of higher education, scientific and cultural organizations, and creative unions to express their position regarding the recognition of Artsakh’s independence by the Republic of Armenia. We appeal to the citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, as well as compatriots in the Diaspora, to demand that the authorities of the Republic of Armenia take steps toward recognizing the Republic of Artsakh. We also inform you that on Monday, April 4, at 3:00 PM, we will submit our petition to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.'