The Foreign Ministry of Armenia issued a statement on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Artsakh.

“In 1991 on September 2, the joint session of deputies of all levels of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and Shahumyan region adopted the declaration of independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.

This step was the logical consequence of the policy of ethnic cleansing against Armenians by the Azerbaijan SSR, the manifestations of which are still present today.

Contrary to the constant statements made by the Azerbaijani authorities that the Nagorno-Karabakh problem and the Nagorno-Karabakh territorial unit no longer exist, it is a fact that around 120.000 Armenians continue to live in Nagorno-Karabakh, who, as members of the international community, have equal and inalienable rights, and the conflict cannot be considered resolved until the needs of Artsakh Armenians are addressed.

Guaranteeing the security and rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and a comprehensive and long-term solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, using the experience and potential of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship, continue to be key to achieving stability and peace in the South Caucasus.

The Republic of Armenia continues to be committed to providing all the necessary conditions for the life of the people of Artsakh and to live safely in their homeland,” the statement reads.