Shahramanyan's Signature Invalidates Decree on Dissolution of Artsakh

Following his relocation to Yerevan, Shahramanyan signed another decree invalidating the decree on the dissolution of Artsakh, which was signed on September 26, 2023. This was reported by lawyer Roman Yeritsyan on his Facebook page.

“Dear compatriots, I am confident that many of you know or understand the reasons behind the decree issued by the President of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, to dissolve the second Armenian state. Some may also realize that no official, including the head of state, has the authority to dissolve a state via a decree.

Nevertheless, various circles of the public have exploited the decree, disregarding the fact that the decree on the so-called dissolution of Artsakh has not even entered into legal force as an act, labeling Samvel Shahramanyan as the president who dissolved Artsakh and so forth.

Moreover, relying on the content of the decree, various individuals in Armenia, including leaders and council members of Artsakh's communities, have been charged with criminal offenses, arguing that the state of Artsakh and its municipalities have been dissolved, and hence the powers of officials have been terminated; therefore, their execution of any powers is subject to criminal liability.

In order to prevent further speculation regarding the alleged dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh and to address the concerns of those seriously regarding this matter, after moving to Yerevan, President Samvel Shahramanyan issued another decree published below, which invalidates the decree on the dissolution of Artsakh signed on September 26, 2023, on the same grounds.

Samvel Shahramanyan officially informed the authorities of the Republic of Armenia about this via a letter.

Although neither this decree nor the one concerning the dissolution of Artsakh holds any legal power, both contradict the Constitution of Artsakh and provisions of other legal acts with higher legal force than the decree, and have not entered into force; thus, they cannot have any consequences at all. Nevertheless, I am publishing the decree 659-N of the President of Artsakh for everyone, asking not to speak any further about the dissolution of Artsakh.

I would also like to remind everyone that Azerbaijan has had leaders in Shushi, Aghdam, and other communities for nearly 30 years, so do not consider the page on Artsakh closed due to territorial loss. We shall reclaim what is ours,” he wrote.