Azerbaijan Creates Intolerable Living Conditions in Artsakh to Force Acceptance of Its Terms, Says Minister

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, Sergey Ghazaryan, gave an interview to the Russian online publication "The Moscow Times."

- Do you think that diplomatic efforts from Stepanakert and Yerevan could compel Baku to remove the checkpoint installed in the Lachin region? What tools are available for this? Do you believe that Baku will comply with any demands without the use of force?

- The parameters and operational regime of the Lachin corridor are defined by the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, which confirms an uninterrupted land connection between the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia in point 6. Control over the Lachin corridor is reserved exclusively for the Russian peacekeeping forces. However, it should be emphasized that the position and actions of the Azerbaijani side are in outright contradiction to both the spirit and the letter of the aforementioned trilateral statement. In this regard, it becomes an urgent issue to ensure the strict and unconditional implementation by Azerbaijan of all agreements reached within the framework of the trilateral statement, including those provisions relating to the Lachin corridor.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to unite not only the efforts of Stepanakert and Yerevan but also those of the participants in the trilateral statement who are genuinely interested in ensuring stability and adherence to obligations. Moreover, international actors who welcomed the trilateral statement and currently view it as a cornerstone of the present-day regional security architecture should also contribute to ensuring stability in the region.

The trilateral statement signed on November 9, 2020, does not imply any Azerbaijani presence in the Lachin corridor, let alone the implementation of any controlling functions by them. This perspective was reaffirmed by the Russian Foreign Minister on February 28, 2023, who clearly stated, following a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, that the installation of checkpoints in the Lachin corridor is not provided for by the trilateral statement. Legally binding decisions of the International Court of Justice confirm Azerbaijan's obligation to "ensure the unhindered movement of people, vehicles, and cargo in both directions through the Lachin corridor," which excludes the presence of any checkpoint.

Since the blockade of the Lachin corridor, first under the pretext of an "environmental protest," and then by unilaterally installing a checkpoint on April 23 in violation of the trilateral statement, Azerbaijan has been systematically trying to sever the deep-rooted ties between the people of Artsakh and Armenia, depriving them of their identity, self-sufficiency, and development opportunities. Azerbaijan is consistently and systematically creating intolerable living conditions in Artsakh to coerce the people of Artsakh into accepting its ultimatum demands. The blockade of the Lachin corridor and the imposition of Azerbaijan’s position on the people of Artsakh through hunger and coercion are part of the genocidal policy of official Baku. Therefore, we are voicing concerns about the responsibility of the international community and, foremost, global actors in the prevention of genocide and are based on the premise that these states and organizations have the necessary resources and tools to prevent such crimes against humanity. We hope that they will use the full arsenal of their capabilities to avoid disastrous consequences.

I want to emphasize once again that preventing genocide is not only the right of all members of the international community but also an obligation.

- Is there a specific group of officials in Stepanakert responsible for negotiations with the Azerbaijani side?

- Since the cessation of hostilities in 2020, meetings have been regularly held between the Artsakh and Azerbaijani sides under the mediation of the Russian Federation, during which a number of technical and humanitarian issues have been discussed, including the restoration of vital infrastructure. Regarding political discussions, including those related to the comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, we have consistently emphasized the necessity of an agreed international format within which it would be possible to seek mutually acceptable, balanced solutions that ensure sustainable, fair, and dignified peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh, in cooperation with other authorized bodies of the country, develops relevant proposals, observations, and positions on the negotiation process for consideration by the President of the Republic. In addition, discussions on key issues are also held with the participation of various political forces and responsible persons, after which appropriate decisions are made.

- What are the red lines for the leadership of Artsakh in these negotiations? Your department has already stated that meetings in Azerbaijan without the presence of a third party are unacceptable for you. What can you say about the agenda of the negotiations? What are you willing to discuss, and what are you not?

- The people and authorities of Artsakh know better than anyone the price of both peace and war. We are prepared to discuss the whole range of complex and painful issues, provided that the process and results of the negotiations should not be predetermined. Considering that numerous violations of both individual and collective rights of the people of Artsakh occur by Azerbaijan, clear international guarantees should be established for the rights of the people of Artsakh, including the right to self-determination.

- What do you think about the proposals put forward by former Minister of Defense Samvel Babayan, who asserts his vision for the negotiations?

- In the process of formulating positions and decisions, the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh continuously consider the suggestions and viewpoints of various political forces and public figures. The President of the Republic has repeatedly and publicly stated that if any political force or other figures have proposals or a vision for a way out of the difficult situation, the authorities are ready to discuss all reasonable proposals within the framework of constructive cooperation to achieve the common goals of the state and the people.

- Is the term "integration of the Armenians of Karabakh" that Azerbaijan uses fundamentally acceptable to you?

- First of all, it should be noted that Azerbaijan uses the term "integration" to obscure its current policy of violent subjugation of the people of Artsakh and their subsequent displacement from their historical homeland. Therefore, the assessment of terms is impossible without considering the objectives for which they are used. We believe it is more appropriate to talk about searching for mutually acceptable and balanced formulations aimed at developing sustainable and fair decisions that will serve the interests of peace.