The separatist government of Nagorno-Karabakh has announced its dissolution, marking the end of the unrecognized republic’s three-decade quest for independence. This decision comes in the wake of a swift offensive by Azerbaijan to regain full control of the breakaway region, coupled with demands for Armenian troops in Nagorno-Karabakh to disarm and the separatist government to disband.
The decree issued by Nagorno-Karabakh’s separatist President Samvel Shakhramanyan cited a September 20 agreement, in which Azerbaijan pledged to allow the “free, voluntary, and unhindered movement” of Nagorno-Karabakh residents to Armenia. The consequence of this announcement has been a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region. By Thursday morning, over 60% of Nagorno-Karabakh’s population, approximately 74,400 people out of 120,000, had fled to Armenia, with the influx continuing.
For those who have left, there is a palpable sense of despair about the future. Many express concerns about their inability to return home under Azerbaijani rule, fearing violations of their basic rights and cultural heritage.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh spans three decades, marked by allegations of targeted attacks, massacres, and other atrocities on both sides, leading to deep-seated distrust and fear among the affected populations.
In 2020, Azerbaijan launched a successful offensive, reclaiming parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territory, which had been under ethnic Armenian control since the end of the separatist fighting in 1994. International recognition regarded Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory.
The situation worsened when Azerbaijan blocked the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, accusing the Armenian government of illicitly sending weapons to the separatist forces. Armenia argued that this blockade deprived Nagorno-Karabakh of essential supplies.
The recent escalation and takeover by Azerbaijan prompted ethnic Armenian forces in the region to surrender, initiating discussions on the “reintegration” of Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan has pledged to respect the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region and restore supplies. However, tens of thousands of Nagorno-Karabakh residents have fled to Armenia, fearing potential reprisals.
The fate of Nagorno-Karabakh remains uncertain, with many questioning how many ethnic Armenians will choose to remain in the region. The dissolution of the separatist government signifies a significant shift in the political landscape, and the future of the region remains highly volatile.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan condemned the situation as ethnic cleansing, a charge strongly rejected by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry argued that the departure of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh was a personal decision and not a forced relocation.
Despite the ongoing challenges, humanitarian efforts are underway to assist those who have fled the region, with Armenia providing accommodations and support to those in need. However, concerns about security and livelihoods persist among those seeking refuge in Armenia.
In a separate development, Ruben Vardanyan, the former head of Nagorno-Karabakh’s separatist government, was charged by Azerbaijani authorities with financing terrorism, creating illegal armed formations, and illegally crossing a state border. Vardanyan, a billionaire with a background in Russia, was detained as he attempted to leave Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia, indicating Azerbaijan’s determination to establish control over the region. Another prominent separatist figure, David Babayan, also announced his intention to surrender to Azerbaijani authorities for investigation.
Source: With Agencies