Lawyer slams Artsakh armistice deal, says it paves way for war in Armenia’s territory in future
The document on Artsakh armistice “secretly” signed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan does not express the interests of the peoples of Armenia and Artsakh, which he repeatedly promised to do, Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates Ara Zohrabyan said at an opposition rally in Yerevan’s Liberty Square on Wednesday.
He stated that the document makes no mention of the status of Artsakh, moreover, it contains dangerous wording, for example, about the new transport communications linking Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan through Syunik Province, or the “return” of Kelbajar, Lachin and Aghdam by Armenia.
"A legal basis is being set for Azerbaijan to have a claim against Armenia in the future, as it implies that Armenia has taken those territories as an aggressor. The document signed by Nikol Pashinyan does not settle the Artsakh issue, it does not prevent the Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression and their plans. This document will lead to a situation in which the war will move to Armenia’s territory in the future," he stressed.
The lawyer urged the National Assembly to lift the martial law and start a process of expressing no confidence in Nikol Pashinyan.
Ara Zohrabyan told reporters that the signed document has no legal force, as it is presented as a statement, adding it will cease to exist by the prime minister’s resignation.
“If it is a statement, we do not accept it categorically. And if they say it is not a statement, but an international agreement by its nature, it should have been ratified by the National Assembly. At the moment, if they manage to challenge the legal effects of that document, I think it will be possible to change the situation," the lawyer said.