Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has warned that any declarations recognizing a government in exile for Nagorno-Karabakh represent a risk to Armenia’s national security. Interfax reports that his remarks were meant to clarify the constitutional reality of Armenia, stressing that there is only one government operating within the country. The prime minister stressed that such declarations could destabilize the region and invite foreign interference, urging vigilance against attempts to manipulate internal affairs from abroad.
According to the Armenian leadership, movements or groups recently displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh are pursuing actions that amount to declaring an exile administration. Pashinyan underscored that these moves are not merely symbolic; they could undermine Armenia’s sovereignty and security by lending legitimacy to factions outside the country’s recognized government. He asserted that any parallel authority would be unacceptable and warned that appropriate measures would be considered to counter such threats.
The Armenian president has echoed these concerns, noting that external actors may seek to exploit fractured or resettled communities to threaten Armenia’s security. In this line of thought, it is argued that because foreign powers might leverage certain circles to press their agenda, decisive steps may be necessary to prevent harm to the country’s stability.
Pashinyan did not shy away from saying that such actions must provoke a response. He indicated that Armenia cannot tolerate efforts to undermine the central government or to create a parallel administrative structure that could complicate national governance and security. This stance reflects a broader emphasis on preserving the integrity of the Armenian state amid regional tensions and shifting alliances.
Earlier statements from Pashinyan framed the conflict as a confrontation with undemocratic external forces that contributed to Armenia’s decision to engage with international institutions, including the International Criminal Court. These remarks situate the Karabakh issue within a wider landscape of regional diplomacy and accountability, where international mechanisms are viewed through the lens of national sovereignty and security.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan announced the launch of an anti-terrorist operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, a move that immediately drew international attention and concern from neighboring states and alliance partners. The following day, the sides, with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers, reported progress toward a ceasefire, signaling a temporary pause in hostilities and an opportunity for diplomatic channels to pursue a longer-term settlement.
Subsequently, on September 28, a decree was issued by the president of Nagorno-Karabakh announcing the termination of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, effective January 1, 2024. This development marked a significant shift in the administrative status of the region and has since been a focal point in discussions about regional governance, the rights of residents, and the role of international mediation in guaranteeing stability.
In the wake of these events, Pashinyan has reiterated Armenia’s position of endurance in the Karabakh matter, signaling a preference for unified national policy over fragmented or competing authorities. The ongoing dialogue among Armenia, Azerbaijan, and external actors continues to shape the regional security architecture, with the Karabakh issue remaining a central, volatile element in the broader Armenian national security framework. [Source: Interfax]