ARF: In process of agreeing on Baku-Yerevan normalization, Azerbaijan  seeks to de jure consolidate occupation of Artsakh and territories of  Armenia 

ArmInfo. In the process of agreeing on the discussed document on the normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan, Azerbaijan seeks to de jure consolidate what has been achieved through the use of force and the threat of force, in terms of the forced annexation of Artsakh during the ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population, and the occupation of some territories of Armenia, at the same time, the possibility of receiving other concessions from Yerevan as well.

This is stated in the statement of the ARF Supreme Bureau for Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization and processes around it.

"In fact, with this document, Azerbaijan is trying to close the Artsakh issue. In addition, threats to Armenia are increasing. The Republic of Armenia does not receive any additional guarantees to ensure its security, territorial integrity, sovereignty and unblocking of transport routes; No effective mechanisms have been created to prevent further hostile actions by Azerbaijan, including military aggressions," the ARF said.  At the same time, the Bureau believes that in the current conditions, taking into account existing realities, the regulation of relations based on the protection of national-state interests must comply with at least six principles.

Firstly, the ARF is convinced that in order to build an environment of trust, as a precondition it is necessary to consider the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the return of all prisoners of war and detainees, solving existing humanitarian problems and preserving cultural heritage.

"Secondly, in order to establish lasting peace, it is necessary that this agreement be an integral document regulating relations, take into account the legitimate interests of the parties and contain decisions on the entire range of issues to be agreed upon.

Third, any agreement must not jeopardize the perpetual and inalienable rights of the Armenian people.  Vital concessions and losses must be excluded, clearly establishing our interests in accordance with the current constitutional and legal norms and diplomatic practice of the Republic of Armenia," the Bureau emphasized.

Fourthly, according to the ARF, the basis for demarcation and delimitation should be the actual borders in force at the time of the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the CIS (September 24, 1993).  Demarcation and delimitation between the two countries must be in accordance with the best international practices and norms and must be based on the "UN Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties" (1969), the "Helsinki Final Act" (1975) from the conceptual norms of the OSCE Secretariat document "Delimitation and Demarcation of State Borders, Urgent Problems and Solutions" (2017), including the principle that any international agreement reached through the threat or use of force is null and void.

"Fifthly, complete and simultaneous unblocking of transport and other means of communication without any restrictions on sovereignty.

And sixth, until the final political settlement of the Artsakh issue and the full realization of the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh, ensure the collective, unhindered and safe return of Artsakh Armenians to their homeland, based on full respect for the rights of those who were oppressed and forcibly displaced as a result of ethnic cleansing," the ARF statement reads.

The Bureau also believes that the following should be considered as a mandatory condition for return:  granting Artsakh an intermediate status, ensuring in full the civil and political rights of Artsakh Armenians guaranteed by international standards; providing effective guarantees for the security of the people of Artsakh, including the deployment of peacekeeping forces; ensuring unimpeded land communications with Armenia.

"Any document signed without observing these principles will not contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region, but will confirm the precedent of resolving issues by force or the threat of force," the ARF concluded.