The Artsakh Public Council has criticized the exclusion of Artsakh Armenians’ rights from the COP17 agenda, condemning the failure to provide forcibly displaced Armenians with an opportunity to present their demands and experiences on an international platform.
The criticism came during an October 29 discussion titled “International Commitments and the National Agenda in the Context of COP17: Assessments and Conclusions,” which examined Armenia’s position as COP17 president and the response of international organizations to the displacement of Artsakh’s Armenian population.
Participants addressed the failure to prioritize the rights of Artsakh Armenians, the protection of environmental and cultural heritage in occupied Artsakh, and the demonstrations and events organized in connection with COP17.
Speakers also raised concerns about international inaction following Azerbaijan’s forced ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s Armenian population, warning that the resulting impunity has implications not only for the rights of displaced Armenians but also for Armenia’s security.
The discussion emphasized the need to counter Azerbaijan’s continuing anti-Armenian propaganda, maintain pressure on international institutions, and establish a unified national agenda addressing the consequences of Artsakh’s occupation.
The Artsakh Public Council reaffirmed its commitment to keeping several issues in public focus, including the collective right of return of Artsakh Armenians, Armenian hostages and political prisoners illegally held in Baku, political prisoners in Armenia, and the protection of Artsakh’s environmental and cultural heritage.
Speakers included Artsakh Public Council Secretary Nare Simonyan, former Artsakh State Minister and Artsakh Union founder Artak Beglaryan, sociologist Alvard Zakaryan, Artsakh Cultural Heritage Ombudsman Hovik Avanesov, constitutional movement co-founder Nina Karapetyants, and former Armenian parliamentarian Tigran Abrahamyan. The discussion was moderated by council member Mary Davtyan.
