Michel's Statement Was Far from the Rights and Security of the People of Artsakh: Minister of State

The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has long been recognized by the co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, which have negotiated with Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades while also acknowledging the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination. This was stated by Gurgen Nersisyann, Minister of State of the Republic of Artsakh, in response to a question from Hetq regarding the Brussels negotiations between Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev.

It is noteworthy that after that meeting, President of the European Council Charles Michel announced that Armenia and Azerbaijan confirmed their mutual recognition of territorial integrity.

“We must understand that any statement by the Republic of Armenia regarding Artsakh is perceived and evaluated by the people of Artsakh as more emotional and sharper compared to the statements of all other countries. I think the reasons for this need no clarification,” said Nersisyann.

According to the Minister of State of Artsakh, Charles Michel's statement is very far from the rights and security issues of the Armenians living in Artsakh and there were more important questions that should have been directed to the President of Azerbaijan.

“For example, how is Azerbaijan able not only to ignore the International Court of Justice's injunction to unblock the Lachin corridor but also to further deepen the humanitarian crisis and the blockade of the people of Artsakh? Or how was a checkpoint installed in the Lachin corridor when such action is not provided in the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020? How has Azerbaijan established a presence in the Lachin corridor, which is 5 kilometers wide, when this area was meant to be free of Azerbaijani presence for the safety of Artsakh residents? Why are civilians or police officers being killed in Artsakh, and why are peaceful residents in border areas constantly under fire while engaged in agriculture?”

According to Gurgen Nersisyann, if such questions were discussed, it would create a belief that there are international actors who are aware of the situation and are trying to find solutions.