Response in the State Duma to the Decision on the Dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh

The decision on the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh is positive in terms of halting military operations, stated Viktor Vodolatskin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma's Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Compatriots Relations. At the same time, in an interview with Lenta.ru, he expressed concern for the fate of the Artsakh residents who are forced to leave.

“Considering that Armenia and its leader Pashinyan have recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijani territory on all monitoring platforms, the process of dissolving the republic is now underway. The republic has existed for a very long time, and naturally, the Armenian residents of Karabakh are leaving the area and will most likely live in Armenia as well as in Russia. The Azerbaijani side will create conditions for normal life for those who remain there, as this is already their territory, with all governing bodies in place,” said the State Duma deputy.

Meanwhile, regarding the Russian peacekeeping forces stationed in Artsakh, Vodolatskin noted, “Naturally, the presence of our peacekeeping group there will likely no longer be relevant. However, this will be determined by the leaders of the three countries—Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia—since they made such a decision together.”

He also mentioned that such a resolution cannot be termed a decision “in favor of the people.” “Principally, Nagorno-Karabakh will no longer be a disputed point as it has been between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the years. I simply feel sorry for those people who are now leaving their ancestral places, leaving behind the graves of their forefathers. This is Pashinyan's choice, but not that of the Armenian people,” stated Vodolatskin.

“Tens of thousands of people are leaving their homes. This is a great blow to them both psychologically and economically; they are heading into uncertainty, leaving their homes, their lands. They can be understood; they are in a severe stressful situation. Now it is Pashinyan's task to create comfortable conditions for them within Armenia.”

Talking about Russia's attitude towards the situation, the deputy emphasized that Moscow's priority is to cease hostilities in the region. “For Russia, the main thing is that there are no armed clashes and that peaceful civilians do not suffer. What is most important for us is that there is no hot spot that could flare up and spread beyond the borders of Karabakh. For Russia, stability in the South Caucasus is crucial to prevent confrontations and, most importantly, to ensure that military operations do not occur,” concluded the interlocutor in Lenta.ru.

It is recalled that on September 28, the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, signed a decree to cease the existence of the Republic of Artsakh.