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Yerevan, October 2 – Avetik Chalabyan, the coordinator of the ‘Hayakve’ movement, held a press conference today, October 2, where he accused the current Armenian authorities of attempting to cede the sovereign territory of Tigranashen to Azerbaijan. According to Chalabyan, these actions are based on falsified maps, and the Armenian people have not granted any mandate for such territorial concessions.
Tigranashen: A Disputed Territory
Chalabyan vehemently asserted that Tigranashen has never been part of Azerbaijan. He challenged the authenticity of the maps referenced by the authorities, specifically those from the General Staff of the USSR, claiming they misrepresent the status of Tigranashen. He stressed that Tigranashen was located within the territory of the Armenian SSR and was never transferred to Azerbaijan. Following the independence of both countries, Tigranashen has remained within the Ararat Province, a fact reflected in Armenia’s administrative-territorial division law.
Chalabyan stated, “If anyone claims otherwise, let them present a document of transfer, because maps are not a basis; they can be drawn.” This statement underscores the movement’s demand for concrete legal documentation rather than relying solely on cartographic representations.
Public Mandate and Referendum
The ‘Hayakve’ movement coordinator also brought up the possibility of a referendum, noting that 90 percent of the population opposes the transfer of Tigranashen. He challenged the authorities, stating, “If the authorities claim to represent the people, although that is not the case, then let them fulfill the people’s mandate, and the people have not given a mandate to hand over the sovereign lands of Armenia to Azerbaijan.” This highlights the democratic principle of public consent for significant territorial changes.
Chalabyan’s remarks suggest a deep distrust in the government’s intentions and a firm belief that the public’s will is being ignored. The ‘Hayakve’ movement appears to be mobilizing public opinion against any potential concessions concerning Tigranashen.
Broader Implications for Armenian Sovereignty
The dispute over Tigranashen is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of larger geopolitical tensions in the region. The ongoing discussions about border delimitation and demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan are highly sensitive, with each side presenting its own historical and legal arguments. The ‘Hayakve’ movement’s strong stance reflects a segment of Armenian society that is deeply concerned about preserving national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The issue of Tigranashen, and other enclaves, has been a recurring point of contention in the post-Soviet era. The lack of a definitive legal framework for these territories has contributed to their disputed status, making them flashpoints in the broader Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. The outcome of this particular dispute could set a precedent for other similar territorial claims in the future.
The international community has largely called for peaceful resolutions to these disputes, often emphasizing the importance of respecting internationally recognized borders. However, the interpretation of these borders, especially those drawn during the Soviet era, remains a complex challenge for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The ‘Hayakve’ movement’s call for a referendum underscores the belief that the ultimate decision on such crucial matters should rest with the people. This approach seeks to legitimize any potential territorial changes through direct democratic participation, rather than through executive decrees or negotiations perceived as lacking popular support.
The currency exchange rates in Yerevan on October 2 showed USD at 362.55 ֏, EUR at 407.29 ֏, and RUB at 4.34 ֏, all indicating a downward trend. The weather in Yerevan was stormy with a temperature of 14°C.
Source: NEWS.am
