Azerbaijan Presents the Topic of Departures from Artsakh as "Process of Withdrawal of RA Armed Forces": Abrahamyan

Azerbaijan is attempting to present the topic of departures from Artsakh as the "process of withdrawal of the RA armed forces," which does not correspond to reality simply because only individuals registered in Artsakh serve in the Artsakh Defense Army. This was stated by Tigran Abrahamyan, the secretary of the parliamentary group "I Have Honor."

“The President of Artsakh has convened a meeting today, one of the key topics of discussion is related to the issue of citizens leaving Artsakh for Armenia through the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers. This topic is important from several perspectives: first, Azerbaijan is trying to frame the issue of departures from Artsakh as a "process of withdrawal of RA armed forces," which is not true. The second recent point of discussion in Artsakh has been why some residents of Artsakh are leaving for the RA. It has been clearly defined who the groups are that can leave for the RA through the Red Cross or Russian peacekeepers, after pre-registration. For example, individuals with severe health issues, those holding Russian citizenship and their family members, citizens of the RA who worked in mining, construction, and other sectors before the blockade, and those accepted to universities in the RA or abroad.

However, during this time, various individuals have circumvented the regulations by leaving Artsakh through different means, which has rightfully caused various discontents internally. Moreover, especially in recent days, against the backdrop of various discussions of "humanitarian corridors," it has been claimed within Artsakh that people should stay in place and unnecessary calls to leave Artsakh should not be made. As a result, the authorities are strengthening control over the implementation of exit from Artsakh, and a directive has been issued to strictly adhere to the established regulations and principles for those leaving, which limits the exceptions for those departing.

During the meeting, the President also addressed the issues related to the transportation of civilians from Artsakh to the Republic of Armenia under the escort of Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Samvel Shahramanyan noted that this process should take place under strict oversight, transparently, and in accordance with established procedures. In this context, the head of state emphasized the necessity of forming working groups on the ground,” he wrote.