"It Has No Legal Force": The Republic Can Only Be Dissolved by the People Through a Referendum - 'Hraparak'

'Hraparak' newspaper reports that Samvel Babayan, the former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, has announced that he is starting a process against the decree issued by President Samvel Shahramanyan to annul it. A criminal case has been initiated based on his statements, citing military negligence and the article on 'transferring means of warfare to the enemy.' There are currently no accused individuals in this case.

The Armenian authorities intend to hold this case over the heads of Artsakh’s military-political leadership to deter anyone from considering actions against Nikol Pashinyan.

As for Shahramanyan’s decree, signed on September 28, which dissolves the state structures of Artsakh, the Republic of Artsakh will cease to exist as of January 1. Shahramanyan has not clarified the circumstances under which it was signed. It is only known that prior to this, he met with former presidents of Artsakh during a Security Council meeting.

Our sources indicate that before signing, the Artsakh leadership discussed it and understand its lack of legal force, deeming it unconstitutional since the president of Artsakh cannot, for instance, dissolve the judicial authority. The Republic can only be dissolved by the people through a referendum.

In reality, it was forced to be signed under Aliyev's threats, to prevent the Azerbaijani forces from entering Stepanakert and to allow the population to leave. What does Aliyev need a decision for that has no legal force? According to sources, it is for propaganda purposes. It is also used by Pashinyan and his team for propaganda, blaming the handing over of Artsakh squarely on Shahramanyan and others.

Now, as representatives of the Artsakh authorities gather at the Artsakh representation in Armenia, Pashinyan, fearing possible developments, is deploying new weapons against them.