The issue with Meghri can be solved only through a referendum - Ara Ghazaryan
One of the main challenges the Artsakh people face is related to their right to property, expert in international law Ara Ghazaryan said in an interview with Panorama.am.
"The signed document doesn't envisage removal of the civilian population, yet people are now leaving their places of residence willingly and move their property. It is a well-known fact that the security of ethnic Armenians can not be ensured, and Azerbaijan has never denied that fact. Under the occurred circumstances, the negotiations should address the matter and provide additional terms for the people to take their property," Ara Ghazaryan explained.
In is words, the notorious statement on the ceasefire contains strict deadlines which refer only to the military personnel, not the civilian population. "A Russian peacekeeper may not enter the houses of the locals and demand them to leave their houses in one or two hours. They have no capacity to do that. There is an issue with civilians' regardless of their ethnicity, as we are speaking about human rights which should be respected," stressed the lawyer.
Ghazaryan believes there is also room for negotiations about the territories subjected to withdrawal.
"If the status quo is changed and is replaced by contract regulations, the sides should get equal rights and obligations with a possibility to reach an agreement," said Ghazaryan, pointing to the example of Shushi. "There is as issue with movement to Shushi. We control a road leading to Shushi, they don't. The roads are under our control, the city itself remains under their control. The issue should be solved through talks. Theoretically, if there are international contract arrangements in place, the matter can be solved smoothly which was the case during the status quo."
Speaking of the territorial issues of the Republic of Armenia, Meghri in particular, our interlocutor noted that finding a solution may last for years and and can bee solved only through a referendum.
"The provision implies an interference in the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. This type of issues can be settled only through a referendum. It will take years and is subjected to thorough and comprehensive regulations all of which require long negotiations," said the expert.
To note, the joint statement issued by the Prime Minister of Armenia, the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan on November 10 envisages that the Republic of Armenia shall guarantee the safety of transport links between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic with a view to organizing the unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and goods in both directions. Control over transport communication will be exercised by the Border Guard Service bodies of the FSS of Russia.