ArmInfo. The bill on occupied territories of Artsakh introduced before the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh is a political act reflecting changed positions in Stepanakert, Andrias Ghuksyan, Chairman of the Constructive Party, told ArmInfo.
According to February 1 reports, the bill on occupied territories of Artsakh was circulated in the Artsakh Parliament on January 27. The bill was drafted by all the five parliamentary factions and is expected to be approved at all stages. On February 16, the Artsakh Parliament is to discuss the first reading. According to the key points of the bill, Artsakh has the immutable right to its territories under its Constitution. Moreover, foreign companies will need the Artsakh government's permission for activities in the occupied territories of Artsakh.
"I am saying this in the context of entirely different claims that have been made in Artsakh since November 9, 2020, and have reflected the logic of an identical process. In fact, the people who stated their commitment to the November 9 statement are now making revanchist statements. Such statements are not normally made all of a sudden. In this context, we cannot rule out the initiative is 'rooted' in Russia - similarly to Moscow's original response to [President of Azerbaijan Ilham] Aliyev's recent trip to Ukraine. And the most important is, in this respect, his willingness to increase gas supplies to Europe, which is in a most delicate situation now," Me Ghukasyan said.
According to him, the bill is a political manifestation of Russia's geopolitical influence. In other words, it is Moscow's message to Azerbaijan - the risk of Artsakh Armenians laying claims to all that Azerbaijan acquired with Russia's consent, with Moscow on the Armenian side now.
The bill contains a demand for de-occupation of the Artsakh territories and restoration of the borders of 1994. Since it is in full conformity with the French Senate's resolution, France and, may be, the USA could support the Artsakh Armenians - at least with regard to the territories of the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region, Shahumyan and territories surrounding the Lachin corridor.