Ombudsman Addresses Cancellation of Artsakh President's Decree

Will the Republic of Artsakh be dissolved on January 1? This question is currently one of the most discussed topics, following the circulation of a decree from President Samvel Shahramanyan on September 28, 2023, which states: "The Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) will cease to exist as of January 1, 2024."

Artsakh's Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan believes there will be official information regarding the cancellation of the presidential decree, as it is evidently unconstitutional and holds no real value. This information comes from MediaHub.

“Furthermore, the President of the Republic of Artsakh stated in Yerevan that one person cannot dissolve or terminate a republic formed by a national referendum with a single signature,” Stepanyan remarked in an interview with the media.

From a legal standpoint, Stepanyan noted that decrees take effect upon publication; however, this particular decree has never been published in the legal database of Artsakh's legal acts. “From the perspective of legal technique, such a decree has not entered into any form. Nevertheless, information regarding this decree has been circulated, and I believe there should also be information regarding its cancellation. In my assessment, the issue is not so much legal as it is more within the informational sphere because such statements under the threat of force logically and naturally lead the public to expect additional information regarding its cancellation or its non-existence,” he told the media.

Stepanyan also addressed the discussions regarding the return of Artsakh within the larger public discourse. “After the forced exodus, I have had the opportunity to discuss this issue with various international stakeholders and representatives of embassies accredited in Armenia. Of course, we have a different understanding concerning the return. However, it must not be closed, we have much work to do on this matter, this is my conviction,” he stated.

During various discussions about the conditions for return, particularly with international stakeholders, the Ombudsman excluded the possibility of living under the control of Azerbaijani flags, police, or security structures upon return, asserting that under such conditions, no one from Artsakh would return.

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