Former Artsakh president decries Pashinyan's remarks

Fifth Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan on Thursday denounced Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s latest remarks, warning that such rhetoric risks deepening societal divisions and undermining national cohesion.

Speaking to reporters at the Yerablur Military Pantheon during commemorations marking the 10th anniversary of the April 2016 war, Shahramanyan urged restraint, describing the discourse as “provocative” and part of a broader effort to sow intolerance within Armenian society.

“Those who promote such narratives should be reminded that it is precisely their actions that have led to the loss of Artsakh and occupation of Armenian territories,” Shahramanyan said, responding to Pashinyan’s recent statements suggesting that the Artsakh people fled during wartime and dismissing claims of resistance as “myths”.

Shahramanyan countered that Armenia’s political leadership bore responsibility for developments during the 2020 war. He stated that Azerbaijan continues to put forward demands that Armenia’s authorities are compelled to meet.

“The final judgment rests with the public,” he said.

Addressing the issue of a potential return to Artsakh, Shahramanyan emphasized that security considerations for Armenia remain paramount. He stated that efforts are being made to avoid triggering renewed hostilities given the current geopolitical climate.

“At the same time, we continue to assert our rights under international law,” he said, adding that maintaining the right of return for displaced Artsakh Armenians remains a priority on international platforms.