The Right to Self-Determination of Artsakh is Not What We Meant: Nikol Pashinyan Responds to Artsvik Minasyan

Artsakh has been depopulated because we have not confronted the simple reality that the people of Artsakh have the right to self-determination within Azerbaijan. This statement was made today by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a session of the National Assembly.

“The international community has said, ‘Very well, dear people, the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to self-determination must be protected, and Artsakh must have an autonomous status within Azerbaijan. This is the whole problem, that during the processes of 1996-1998, Armenia was presented in another light, in order to seize and hold power, and assurances were received from certain places that it would be fine, we will resolve it, do not take any actions,’” Pashinyan stated in response to a question from Artsvik Minasyan, secretary of the “Hayastan” parliamentary faction.

According to Minasyan, the pre-election program of the ruling Civil Contract Party emphasized the right to self-determination of Artsakh and the assurance of its security, while today the government speaks about entirely different content. The opposition MP claimed that if the program has changed and the approaches specified in it are absent, this government cannot be legitimate and must resign.

Referring to demands for his resignation, Pashinyan said he has already resigned twice. He pointed out that the right to self-determination of Artsakh is not what they have meant, because unfortunately, the word