Announcement by Three Artsakh Parties

The ‘Justice’ party, the ARFD Artsakh Central Committee, and the Artsakh Democratic Party have released a joint statement that reads:

“For the Preservation of Artsakh’s Statehood

Dear countrymen, as we approach the anniversary of our independence, our state is facing serious challenges. The enemy desires to eliminate our statehood, dissolve our state institutions, and absorb Artsakh.

In the three years since the war, and especially in recent months under conditions of blockade, we have demonstrated an exceptional unity around our statehood, keeping the state free from shocks and showing unprecedented resilience in the face of difficulties. We have done all this for the sake of our statehood, for our inherent right to live and create freely on our land.

It may sound surprising, but the latest threat to our statehood comes not from the enemy, but from our own ranks—individuals whose motivations may be sincere and naïve, but that does not change the nature of the threat.

Dear compatriots, today we perhaps face the most critical test of the maturity of our statehood. The future of our statehood depends on a peaceful, wise, and above all, lawful resolution to this situation. And it depends not only on the positions of those authorized to make decisions but also on the heartfelt involvement of each of us.

In light of the above, we appeal to:

Law enforcement agencies. Dear gentlemen, senior officers, we understand and applaud your approach of addressing the issue through soft power and peaceful resolution. At the same time, we remind and demand that you remain committed to the protection of statehood and its institutions, adhering strictly to the spirit and letter of the Law.

To the political majority in the National Assembly and other political forces. Dear colleagues, the National Assembly, just like the Presidency, represents two foundational pillars of the state that express the collective will of the people. The undermining of either is fraught with the collapse of statehood. You, as the voice of the people, cannot remain silent, waiting for an arbitrary resolution to the situation. Upholding the constitutional order and standing by the voices you received is a primary obligation. You must express a public position and be at the forefront of preserving statehood.

To former presidents, state ministers, and senior military personnel. Distinguished gentlemen and generals, the statehood of Artsakh, despite all its shortcomings, is also the result of your efforts, dedication, and merit. You are obligated to exert all your influence to resolve the situation wisely and peacefully. You have a moral duty and earned right to be at the forefront of preserving statehood. Your silence will not be understood.

To intellectuals, public figures, and the entire community. Dear colleagues, sisters, and brothers, statehood is the supreme value earned through the blood of our parents, relatives, children, and friends. We have always been ready to defend it at the cost of our lives from any enemy. Defending the state is no less significant than protecting it from internal disagreements, unfounded ambitions, and meaningless shocks. Indifference cannot have any justification. Silence in a moment of crisis is complicity.”

ARFD Artsakh Central Committee
‘Justice’ Party
Artsakh Democratic Party
Stepanakert
August 22, 2023