Armenia's Struggles: Reflections on Artsakh

Sep 7, 2024

Armenian News Network Room: Week in Review (September 1, 2024)

Introduction

  • Recorded on September 2, the day commemorating the Declaration of Independence of Artsakh.
  • 347 days since the war of September 2023 led to the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh.
  • Dozens of Armenians remain in Azerbaijani captivity with little international response.

Notable Anniversaries

  • August 23, 1990: Declaration of State Sovereignty adopted by the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, marking the beginning of Armenia's independence journey.
  • September 2, 1991: Republic of Artsakh declared independence from the Soviet Union.
    • Initial declaration aimed for unification with the Armenian SSR and Nagorno-Karabakh; later shifted to a full independence stance.

Current Situation

  • Artsakh is currently ethnically cleansed; Azerbaijan demands constitutional changes in Armenia to erase mentions of Artsakh.
  • Armenian regime appears to yield to Azerbaijani demands.

Commentary by Benjamin Borossian

Significance of Declarations

  • Declaration of Independence (August 23, 1990) is foundational for Armenian statehood.
  • Calls to destroy the Third Republic are unfounded without a clear vision for a Fourth Republic.
  • The independence declaration of Artsakh (September 2, 1991) reframed the conflict as a fight for self-determination rather than territorial disputes.

Pashinyan's Statements

  • Pashinyan suggested signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, which has led to disputes over constitutional changes.
  • Azerbaijan's rejection of negotiations indicates a lack of intention to sign any peace agreement.
  • Concerns about Azerbaijan's strategic goals:
    • Full land border with Turkey.
    • Ongoing military escalation potential.

Artsakh Rights and Pashinyan's Blame Game

  • Pashinyan criticized Artsakh officials for demanding rights, equating their claims to security as counterproductive for Armenia.
  • Historical agreements (Lisbon and Madrid Principles) emphasize the rights of Armenians in Artsakh, which Pashinyan seems to overlook.

Peace Agreement Discussions

  • Pashinyan's government is reluctant to discuss territorial integrity claims while Azerbaijan asserts claims on Armenian territory.
  • Discussions indicate no real commitment from Azerbaijan to a peace agreement.

Geopolitical Dynamics

Putin's Visit to Baku

  • Putin's visit to Azerbaijan signals a strengthening of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.
  • Azerbaijan's application for BRICS membership indicates a balancing act in foreign policy between West and East.
  • Armenia's response includes establishing a business cooperation center with BRICS, reflecting its own interest in diversifying alliances.

Corridor Control and Regional Security

  • Iran is resistant to any route that would allow Turkey and Azerbaijan direct control through Armenia, citing national security concerns.
  • The Zangizur corridor remains a significant geopolitical issue due to its implications for regional power dynamics.

Final Thoughts

  • Benyamin Borossian: Without Artsakh, Armenia is vulnerable, especially regarding strategic goals of Azerbaijan.
  • Hovik Manu Çaryan: Emphasizes the importance of keeping Artsakh's rights and security in dialogue despite the current bleak situation.

Conclusion

  • Acknowledgment of the historical significance of September 2 as a day for remembrance and vigilance for Artsakh's future rights and security.
  • The podcast features Dr. Benyamin Boğazyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia.