No Mention of Artsakh's Sovereignty and Rights in Budget Draft, MP Claims

According to the Armenian government’s budgetary address, the budgeting policy for 2023 has been implemented based on the priorities of the government’s program for 2021-2026. This was stated in an article by MP Tadevos Avetisyan from the ‘Armenia’ faction in the National Assembly.

In the article, it is noted: “This is a blatant lie, especially dangerous regarding Artsakh. Below, I present some factual evidence that exposes the latest lie from the ruling faction. In the 2023 budgetary address and the draft state budget of Armenia, the objective concerning Artsakh in the area of foreign policy is limited to the following: the protection of Armenia's sovereignty, ensuring the security of Armenia and Artsakh, and representing Armenia's interests and rights in international relations. There is not a single mention of Artsakh's sovereignty, interests, and rights, including the protection of the right of the Artsakh people to self-determination.”

“In the pre-election program for the extraordinary parliamentary elections of June 2021, this evil government literally promised: ‘In the coming years, our primary task must be to ensure the security of the Artsakh people and the peaceful and comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the implementation of the right of the Artsakh people to self-determination—without restrictions. The people of Artsakh cannot survive under the subjugation of Azerbaijan.’”

“In the government program for 2021-2026 approved by the National Assembly in August 2021, it is practically established that ‘The final resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue is seen by the Armenian government under the co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group, with the clarification of the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh based on known principles and elements, including the right to self-determination. Armenia will continue to be the guarantor of the security of the Artsakh people, and the security of Artsakh will continue to be ensured by the Artsakh Defense Army.’”

“Besides the false promises of the current ruling faction, it is also an unacceptable fact the unprecedented and significant reduction of budgetary support allocated to the Republic of Artsakh next year.”

“According to the draft law on the Republic of Armenia’s state budget for 2023, a budget loan is planned to be provided to the Republic of Artsakh with a repayment term until January 1, 2027, at an annual rate of 0.01 percent. Specifically, for 2023, a loan of 144 billion drams will be provided to support the Republic of Artsakh, which is 20 billion drams or 14 percent less than the expected amount this year.”

“In terms of the significant reduction of support allocated to Artsakh, it is characteristic that a substantial increase in the state expenditures planned for the Ministry of Defense of Armenia for 2023 is noted. Specifically, 505.8 billion drams are planned, which is an increase of 132 billion drams or 35 percent compared to the revised budget of 2022. Meanwhile, the average annual growth of this indicator after the 44-day war has been minimal.”

“However, it is evident that this increase in state financing for defense will actually not reach its intended goal, considering the failures of this year and previous years, the government's limitless incompetence, and its populist nature.”

“By the way, of the planned 505.8 billion drams, current expenses total 221 billion drams or 44 percent of the total. The remaining 285 billion drams or 56 percent carry very high risks of being used purposefully; for example, ‘we have money, but they are not selling arms to us’ and other absurd justifications.”

“With the funds planned for defense, they will reward their close circle and provide government contracts with the expectation of large profits, and they will lay down even more asphalt.”