The Armenian National Committee of Canada Issues a Call to Pashinyan

The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) has expressed its deep disappointment and rejection regarding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent statement recognizing the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as part of Azerbaijan.

The statement notes that if this declaration is implemented, it would seriously undermine the centuries-long aspirations of the people of Artsakh for independence, their right to self-determination, and the internationally mediated peace process.

"The people of Artsakh have faced numerous challenges for years, striving to protect their cultural identity, preserve their heritage, and defend their right to live in a safe and prosperous homeland. The struggle for the national self-determination of the Artsakh Armenians is recognized by numerous international organizations and is grounded in the principles of international law. Prime Minister Pashinyan's statement not only disregards the will of the people of Artsakh but also ignores their fundamental rights.

Canada and other members of the international community should not endorse the policy adopted by the Prime Minister of Armenia and must reaffirm their position based on the principle of self-determination in resolving the Artsakh conflict, as outlined in the Helsinki Principles.

"The Armenian National Committee of Canada firmly stands alongside the Artsakh Armenians and their just aspirations for self-determination. We will reaffirm our commitment to defending the internationally recognized rights of the people of Artsakh and call upon Prime Minister Pashinyan to reconsider his position. We will also urge Canada and the international community to condemn Prime Minister Pashinyan's statement and support a peace process based on justice, self-determination, and respect for human rights," the statement concludes.