Armenian Government's Statements on Artsakh Harm the Overall Cause, Says Artsakh Ombudsman

Statements made by various Armenian parliamentarians recognizing Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, including Artsakh, are creating certain obstacles, said Artsakh Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan during a television bridge between Stepanakert and Yerevan today.

According to him, during engagements with international partners, they often cite these very statements.

"I can say unequivocally that it would be preferable for representatives of public authority in the Republic of Armenia to refrain from making such statements, which harm the overall cause. We must avoid statements that do not serve the interests of the people of Artsakh and cast doubt on the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, which, in our case, is clearly equivalent to the right to life of the people of Artsakh," Stepanyan noted.

He added that on one hand, efforts are underway to make the international community fully understand the dire humanitarian situation, while on the other hand, such statements are being made.

He emphasized that in the last seven months, humanitarian threats have been more pronounced than ever.

Meanwhile, Armenian Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan believes that these statements do not hinder overall efforts, particularly when presenting the humanitarian crisis prevailing in Artsakh to international partners, as the ombudsman is an independent body.

"The Ombudsman is not a representative of the government, executive, or legislative powers; it is an independent official and apolitical, thus presenting independent and autonomous information regardless of the general statements that may be made, as they often contain political elements, usually pertaining to foreign policy," Manasyan stated.

It is noteworthy that during a meeting with journalists on May 22, Prime Minister Pashinyan clarified what it means for Armenia to recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity of 86,600 square kilometers, stating that this includes Nagorno-Karabakh. He also mentioned that the communities of Tigranashen in the Ararat region and six villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia's territorial integrity of 29,800 square kilometers.

After that, various members of the ruling Civil Contract party also made statements acknowledging Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, including Artsakh.