Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan Clarifies Stance on Artsakh Negotiations

In a recent interview on Artsakh public television, President of the Republic of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, shed light on the delicate negotiations between Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Azerbaijan during the recent Azerbaijani attacks on the Republic of Artsakh. Speaking candidly, Shahramanyan emphasized that Armenia was well aware of the agreements Artsakh was considering and engaged in discussions with Armenian authorities regarding the potential risks associated with those documents.

President Shahramanyan revealed that the primary objective throughout the negotiations was to safeguard the lives of the people of Artsakh. He emphasized that in the face of the intense situation, making concessions was impossible. He stated, "We did not accept the first proposals of the Azerbaijanis. That document was a document of capitulation."

Discussing the outcome of the negotiations, Shahramanyan explained that the parties eventually agreed upon a document designed to halt military operations on September 20. The terms of the agreement included the dissolution of the Armed Forces, withdrawal of the forces of the Republic of Armenia Armed Forces, and the handover of military equipment. He revealed that the phrasing "withdrawal of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces" was a contentious point for Artskah, as it was insisted upon by the Azerbaijani side.

Shahramanyan clarified, "The wording 'withdrawal of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces' was unacceptable to us, but that was the claim of the Azerbaijanis. However, understanding that we could not sign under that document and assume any legal obligations, we informed them orally and in writing that there are no Armenian armed forces in Artsakh."

As the people of Artsakh continue to grapple with the aftermath of the forced deportation from their indigenous homeland, Shahramanyan's words serve as a reminder of the intricate diplomatic efforts undertaken by all parties involved and the complexities surrounding the negotiation process in times of crisis.