Lilit Galstyan gives a speech during OSCE PA Session
Dear colleagues,
I would like to start with a legitimate question-are we doing enough to implement our resolutions thereby maintaining the reputation of our organization? My question is in the context of the unsolved Karabagh conflict and security crisis which is a challenge for Armenia.
In September 2023, after a 9 month severe blockade imposed by Azerbaijan, under the real threat of genocide 150 thousand Armenians left Artsakh, their homeland of 3000 years and fled to Armenia. This was a clear act of ethnic cleansing followed by cultural and social destruction.
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The issue of a dignified and collective return of the people to their homeland continues to be a priority. During the past three years, the European parliament and 30 European countries have adopted declarations stating that Artsakh Armenians’ should exercise their right to return unconditionally, with international guarantees, and with due respect for their history, culture and heritage․
These and numerous high level statements signed earlier were undermined by Azerbaijan because of the inaction of the international community.
Azerbaijan’s ongoing militarization- combined with their territorial claims against Armenia are destroying the confidence in the process.
We are receiving alarming news about the oppression and torture of Karabakh’s military and political leadership illegally held in Baku prisons, among them 3 former elected presidents, a prime minister and a speaker of the parliament, officials with whom OSCE Minsk group co-chairs maintain regular contacts over 3 decades.
Clearly, the peace process can benefit from confidence-building measures, including the release of Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan.
And it is imperative to take into account the root causes of the conflict. The establishment of stable peace in the region can be achieved only with the collective return of the people of Artsakh.
Therefore, I urge my colleagues to take further steps towards supporting international mechanisms which will guarantee the right of return, under tangible international protections, ensuring their safety and security and a lasting peace.
