Armenia Does Not Have Any Armed Formation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Mirzoyan

Armenia does not have any armed formation in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh; Nagorno-Karabakh has a defense army, whose mission is to ensure the self-defense of the Karabakh Armenians due to the threat of ethnic cleansing. This was stated by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan during a Q&A session with government members in the National Assembly, responding to MP Arman Yeghoyan's question.

The MP reminded about the accusations made by the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister regarding the incomplete implementation of the November 9 agreements. The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister specifically pointed to the issue of reopening regional communications, blaming Armenia, and also spoke about the presence of Armenian armed forces in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“We have repeatedly stated that Armenia does not have any armed formations in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. We know that Nagorno-Karabakh has a defense army. And the very name of this unit suggests that the mission of this army is the self-defense of the Karabakh Armenians. And this mission is more necessary today than ever. The Karabakh Armenians continue to be fired upon and subjected to various pressures. When the threat of ethnic cleansing against the Karabakh Armenians disappears, I believe the Karabakh Armenians will be able to discuss possible different scenarios,” said Mirzoyan.

Referring to the November 9 statement, the Foreign Minister said that, unfortunately, the November 9 agreements have not been fully implemented. He specifically pointed out the delays in the release of Armenian prisoners of war and other persons held illegally. Regarding the unblocking of regional economic ties, Mirzoyan stated, “We met yesterday within the framework of the working group. The works and discussions are underway. The issues being discussed are quite complex and have many layers and sub-layers, but the work is ongoing.”

The Foreign Minister assured that in all discussions on all topics, the Armenian side demonstrates maximum constructiveness.