Artsakh institutions not a separate state, MP says

PanARMENIAN.Net - Members of the Armenia parliamentary faction met with representatives of the Council for the Protection of Artsakh Armenians’ Rights. Following the meeting, faction leader Seyran Ohanyan told reporters that the operation of Artsakh’s institutions within Armenia should not be misinterpreted as forming a "second state."

“This is a misconception,” he stated. “These institutions are functioning to protect the rights of the people of Artsakh and to address issues related to return and identity.”

Ohanyan said the meeting was initiated upon the Council’s proposal, involving joint working group members from Artsakh’s National Assembly and the Armenia faction. They are actively cooperating on issues including rights protection and socio-economic concerns.

He stressed the need for Artsakh’s governmental systems and organizations to remain active in preserving the community’s identity and ensuring the right of return.

“When Artsakh institutions operate in Armenia, it should not lead to a misconception among parts of the leadership or the public that a second state is forming. On the contrary, their purpose is to safeguard the rights of the Artsakh people,” he reiterated.

Ohanyan noted that the faction has taken multiple initiatives on the Artsakh issue, including efforts toward the return of prisoners of war. “We’ll use all available tools to defend Artsakh’s rights,” he declared.

He emphasized that faction MPs are raising Artsakh-related issues in international platforms, organizations, and friendship groups, highlighting the forced displacement as a crime against the people of Artsakh—one that should be considered part of a broader genocidal process.

He also condemned the legal proceedings targeting former Artsakh leaders as unjust.

“The commission led by Vartan Oskanian is conducting serious work. We believe the Artsakh issue is not closed. Artsakh’s rights must be preserved and its future determined within the framework of the Armenian people’s and Artsakh people’s rights,” Ohanian said.

Meanwhile, Arsen Torosyan, an MP from the ruling Civil Contract faction, wrote on Facebook that no second state or related institutions exist or can exist in Armenia. He said such attempts must be firmly condemned.