Yerevan, September 29 – A significant working meeting took place yesterday at the Representation of the Republic of Artsakh in Yerevan, gathering members of the Artsakh National Assembly and representatives from the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Central Council, its various offices, and committees. The meeting also saw the participation of the Artsakh State Minister and the Human Rights Defender, underscoring the importance of the discussions held.
Key Discussions on Artsakh’s Future
The primary objective of the meeting was to thoroughly discuss strategies for raising the Artsakh issue on international platforms. Gagik Baghunts, Acting Speaker of the Artsakh National Assembly, emphasized the crucial work carried out by the ARF Dashnaktsutyun committees and offices. Hakob Ter-Khachaturyan, Chairman of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Central Council, reiterated that the Artsakh issue remains at the core of the organization’s activities, highlighting the long-term and unwavering nature of their efforts. He also stressed the necessity of preserving Artsakh’s state institutions.
Strategic Directions for Artsakh’s Cause
During the meeting, the parties identified several key strategic directions for their future work:
- Collective Right of Return: Protection of the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh, including the realization of their collective right to return with reliable international guarantees.
- Release of Prisoners: Advancing the issue of the swift release of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijan.
- Protection of Cultural Heritage: Preservation of Artsakh’s cultural and historical heritage and countering Azerbaijan’s policy of erasing Armenian traces.
- Socio-Educational Support: Expanding mechanisms for providing household, social, and educational assistance to forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.
The discussions concluded with an emphasis on the continuity of joint efforts and mutual cooperation. Hovsep Ter-Gevorgyan, a member of the ARF Bureau, reaffirmed the role of Artsakh authorities and underlined the significance of such meetings in coordinating future work more effectively.
Related Developments and Context
The meeting in Yerevan comes amidst ongoing efforts to address the multifaceted challenges facing Artsakh. Related discussions have highlighted that peace cannot be contrasted with the rights of the people of Artsakh, as stated by Davit Galstyan. The All-Armenian Conference of the Armenian Cause in Yerevan has been focusing on strengthening Armenian statehood and the Artsakh issue. Elizabeth Chuljyan has also stressed that there will be no lasting peace unless hostages are released and the Armenian population of Artsakh can return to their lands.
Furthermore, there have been political statements indicating that the policy of the ruling Civil Contract party creates various harsh and difficult social problems for the people of Artsakh, according to Metakse Hakobyan. The ARF Dashnaktsutyun has also issued a statement on the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia, asserting that unity is more necessary than ever for Armenians today.
These discussions reflect a broader movement to ensure the rights and future of the Artsakh people, with a strong emphasis on international advocacy and humanitarian support.
