Anti-Safarov Law: Opposition Proposes Restrictions on Azerbaijani Property Rights in Armenia

Shiraz Manukyan, a member of the "Strong Armenia" faction, has announced the necessity for special regulations and restrictions on the acquisition of real estate by citizens of Azerbaijan in Armenia. In recent years, the Republic of Armenia has faced threats that many previously considered unlikely. This was stated on August 7 in the National Assembly by Manukyan while addressing the need to adopt the so-called "anti-Safarov law."

The MP noted that there have been multiple claims suggesting certain scenarios would never materialize or be on the agenda; however, reality has shown that the state and homeland cannot remain secure based solely on optimistic forecasts or labeling the leaders of hostile nations as civilized or constructive.

Manukyan expressed his intent to raise a concern that the Armenian authorities prefer to remain silent about or counter by asserting that it is Azerbaijani rhetoric and not included in Armenia’s agenda. Azerbaijani officials have long talked about the settlement of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis on Armenian territory, turning this idea into a direction of state policy reflected in official statements, international platforms, demands, propaganda agendas, and state funding systems. Meanwhile, according to the MP, the Armenian government continues to operate as if there is no threat.

He emphasized that national security cannot be based solely on the government's agenda but requires an understanding of the opposing side's objectives and timely prevention of the risks arising from them. He reminded that the 44-day war was not on the agenda either, yet Azerbaijan initiated a war that resulted in the loss of Artsakh.

According to Manukyan, if Azerbaijan officially declares such goals at the state level, Armenia is obligated to have preventive legal mechanisms that will not allow the threat to become a reality in the future. The MP noted that currently, Armenian legislation does not foresee any special approach to the issue of property acquisition by Azerbaijani citizens in Armenia. He considered this a serious oversight and deficiency given that this state continues to pose threats, does not abandon its policy of using force, demands changes to the Armenian Constitution, and presents territorial claims.

As an example, Manukyan cited Turkey’s Law No. 26-44 on land registration, which stipulates that foreign individuals can only acquire real estate from a list of countries designated by the president, of which Armenia is not a part. This effectively constitutes a prohibition for Armenian citizens.

Therefore, according to the MP, Armenia is also obliged to consider legislative solutions that would impose special regulations on the property rights of Azerbaijani citizens. He emphasized that this does not constitute discrimination against any people but rather a rejection of the expansionist policy that is anti-Armenian.

In conclusion, Manukyan called on others to join this initiative, refine it with suggestions, and adopt a collective solution that stems from national security concerns.