Catholicos, Artsakh officials discuss displaced Armenians’ rights

PanARMENIAN.Net - His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received Artsakh’s acting president Ashot Danielyan, Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, and other officials and political figures from Artsakh at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The meeting focused on the key challenges faced by displaced Armenians from Artsakh and the available paths to protecting their rights.

The sides also reviewed the social assistance programs and spiritual efforts currently led by the Mother See to support displaced families in their new places of residence.

His Holiness emphasized that the Armenian Apostolic Church remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of those deprived of their homeland.

Participants underscored the importance of joint initiatives on international platforms, including efforts to raise awareness of the rights of the people of Artsakh, advocate for the release of Armenian prisoners and hostages held in Azerbaijan, search for the missing, and preserve Artsakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale assault on Artsakh, subjecting the region to intense shelling. On September 20, the Artsakh authorities accepted a ceasefire proposal by Russian peacekeepers, agreeing to disarm and dissolve the Republic of Artsakh. Forced displacement began on September 24, with over 100,000 Armenians fleeing to Armenia. By some reports, only about 20 Armenians remained in Artsakh. On September 28, President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree formally dissolving the republic, effective January 1, 2024. However, on October 19, a second decree declared that information about the dissolution was void.