(OTTAWA – June 1, 2023) – Today, the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) issued the following statement regarding Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan’s recent remarks on the status of the Republic of Artsakh
“The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) hereby expresses its profound disappointment and rejection of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent statement recognizing the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as a part of Azerbaijan.
“Should this statement turn into action, it will gravely undermine the people of Artsakh’s centuries-long aspiration for independence, their inherent right to self-determination, the internationally mediated peace process, and the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act.
“The people of Artsakh have endured years of hardship and conflict, striving to safeguard their cultural identity, preserve their heritage, and protect their right to live in a secure and prosperous homeland. Their struggle for self-determination has been recognized by numerous international bodies and upheld by the principles of international law. Prime Minister Pashinyan’s declaration not only disregards the will of the people of Artsakh but also undermines their fundamental rights.
“Moreover, such statements disregard the internationally mediated peace process aimed at finding a just and lasting solution to the Artsakh conflict. The negotiations, facilitated by the OSCE Minsk Group, have sought to achieve a peaceful resolution based on the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, and the right to self-determination. By unilaterally conceding the territorial integrity of Artsakh, Prime Minister Pashinyan has disregarded the painstaking efforts of the international community and jeopardized the fragile peace in the region.
“The Helsinki Final Act, a cornerstone document of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), emphasizes the principles of self-determination and the inviolability of borders. Prime Minister Pashinyan’s statement contradicts these principles and undermines the norms of international law. It sets a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for other conflicts worldwide, where the right to self-determination is at stake.
“Canada and the rest of the international community must not encourage such policies adopted by the Armenian Prime Minister and should reiterate their position on solving the Artsakh conflict based on the principle of self-determination, as outlined in the Helsinki Final Act.
“The ANCC stands firmly with the people of Artsakh and their just aspirations for self-determination. We reiterate our commitment to upholding the internationally recognized rights of the people of Artsakh and urge Prime Minister Pashinyan to reconsider his position. We call upon Canada and the rest international community to condemn this statement and to remain steadfast in their support for a peaceful resolution based on the principles of justice, self-determination, and respect for human rights.
“The ANCC will continue to advocate for the rights of Armenians in Canada and work tirelessly to raise awareness about the challenges facing the people of Artsakh. We remain steadfast in our support for a just and lasting resolution that respects the will of the people of Artsakh and safeguards their fundamental rights.”
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The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Armenian-Canadian grassroots human rights organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-Canadian community on a broad range of issues and works to eliminate abuses of human rights throughout Canada and the world.
Contact: Sevag Belian (613) 235-2622 | [email protected]
