Closing Artsakh issue by Armenian authorities is crime – Armen Petrosyan

We have no right to close the issue of Artsakh, said Armen Petrosyan, co-founder of the Justice and Return NGO, in an interview with Alpha News, commenting on Pashinyan’s statement in which he effectively confirmed that the peace agreement had permanently closed the Artsakh issue.

“The Artsakh issue is not merely an Armenian concern—it is an international one. What happened to Artsakh and its people is a crime on a global scale. In the 21st century, closing the rights of people who have suffered genocide and displacement—especially by the very authorities responsible for them—is a crime. The Artsakh issue must remain on the agenda. If the Armenian government closes it at the state level, then we have the Diaspora. The Armenian government must not be equated with the Armenian people,” Petrosyan said.

The activist, who settled in Yerevan following the forced displacement from Artsakh in September 2023, believes there is still a possibility of returning to his homeland.

“Return is possible—either as a citizen of Armenia, as a citizen of a recognized country, or under Russian protectorate. I wouldn’t oppose returning to Artsakh under that arrangement,” Petrosyan said.

On August 18, Pashinyan addressed the nation and effectively confirmed that the peace agreement had permanently closed the Artsakh issue. According to Pashinyan, with the support of Armenia and the international community, Artsakh Armenians should settle in the Republic of Armenia and live, create, and establish themselves as full-fledged citizens.