Responses from Artsakh to Aliyev's Statements

Just days earlier, the President of the Republic of Artsakh called on the people and authorities of Azerbaijan to put an end to the hatred and genocidal policies against the people of Artsakh, to genuinely accept the principle of equality of nations enshrined in international law, and to recognize the rights and titles of the indigenous Armenian people of Artsakh.

This was stated by Lusine Avanesyan, the press secretary of the President of Artsakh, in an interview with Artsakhpress in response to Aliyev's recent statements.

“At the same time, President Harutyunyan has expressed his readiness to begin dialogue in an international format based on the norms and principles of international law, particularly on the equality of nations, the right to self-determination, the non-use of force or threats of force, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the principles of territorial integrity,” she noted.

Azerbaijan has not spoken to the people of Artsakh for the first time in a threatening manner since the tripartite statement on the ceasefire; we have seen and continue to witness manifestations of aggression in the form of local military actions, blockades, and various forms of pressure, including energy constraints. This time, the President of Azerbaijan has added illegal demands regarding the elected authorities of the people of Artsakh.

The President and the National Assembly carry the primary mandate of the people of Artsakh, based on democratic principles and the Constitution of the Republic of Artsakh. The President of Azerbaijan is well aware that the main source of Artsakh's subjectivity is precisely these state institutions, and, in fact, with such demands, he acknowledges the legitimacy and importance of these institutions.

Alongside active international efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the South Caucasus, the latest threats from the President of Azerbaijan towards the people and statehood of Artsakh aim to undermine the effectiveness of these efforts. Once again emphasizing that Azerbaijan does not respect any international principles or obligations, President Harutyunyan reaffirms the provisions of his message dated May 23, directed to the parties of the tripartite statement and the United Nations Security Council,” highlighted Lusine Avanesyan.

It is noteworthy that the President of Azerbaijan, Aliyev, stated that “the Armenians of Karabakh have only one way left: to throw their fake 'state attributes' into the trash, dissolve the parliament, and submit to Azerbaijani law.”