Armenia Effectively Withdraws from its Role as a Security Guarantor of Artsakh, Says Samvel Shahramanyan

The Republic of Armenia, in reassessing its security doctrine in light of post-war realities, has effectively withdrawn from its long-standing mission as a security guarantor for Artsakh and adopted an approach termed a peace agenda. At its center is the recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, including Artsakh, provided that the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Armenian population in Artsakh are ensured, stated Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan.

Shahramanyan added that Azerbaijan is exploiting both this fact and the lack of substantial actions from international actors to violate the provisions of the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement, thereby increasing pressure on Artsakh to implement its declared integration agenda.

“At the same time, Azerbaijan continues to drum on all international platforms that the Artsakh conflict has already been resolved, that the concept of Nagorno-Karabakh does not exist, and that the issue of ensuring the rights and freedoms of the local Armenians is an internal matter for its country. In contrast, geopolitical centers are currently only satisfied with a growing volume of concerns, appeals, and calls. The implementation of decisions from international and European human rights courts remains unfulfilled. It is evident that no international actor is currently interested in applying stringent measures against Azerbaijan,” said Samvel Shahramanyan, noting that under these conditions, even the possibility of engaging Stepanakert in negotiations regarding the integration agenda seems “realistic.”

“In other words, we can state that within the framework of international law, the rights and legitimate interests of the Armenian population of Artsakh are not being protected. Accordingly, I consider our ideas and expectations regarding international law to be unrealistic and detached from reality, as it is evident that international politics, geopolitics, and even wars do not unfold within the frameworks of international law. The aforementioned leaves Artsakh with no other option but to independently seek interim, situation-based solutions,” emphasized the President of Artsakh.