In the so-called “peace agreement,” the focus should have been on Azerbaijan’s compliance with Armenia’s complaints in international courts and not on their withdrawal.
The head of the Armenian government does not have the authority to withdraw Armenia’s complaints against Azerbaijan in international courts or to influence such decisions. His statements on this matter are driven by his narrow interests as the leader of the Civil Contract party, abusing his status as the Prime Minister of Armenia.
The current head of government himself has stated: “The people of Artsakh have not given me a mandate to represent them anywhere” (e.g., interview on 05.02.2019). All the more so, the leader of the Civil Contract party cannot deprive hundreds of thousands of people of their fundamental rights, which are crucial to their fate.
He also lacks the authority to deprive Armenian citizens and the Armenian diaspora of the opportunity to protect their rights in cases of historically significant mass violations.
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The head of government has no right to halt international legal proceedings aimed at restoring the violated rights of hundreds of thousands of people.
Beyond the legal restrictions, participation in resolving such nationally significant issues requires a high level of public trust and support. It is evident that the leader of the Civil Contract party does not possess such trust or support and, therefore, does not have the right to make such decisions.
Arman Tatoyan
Former Human Rights Defender/Ombudsman