Seyran Ohanyan: Artsakh people have the right to live in their  historical homeland

ArmInfo. The struggling Armenians of Artsakh show that their spirit is indestructible, and the people of the republic have the right to live in their historical  homeland. Head of the "Armenia" opposition faction of the National  Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, former minister of defense of  the Republic of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan stated to journalists on  December 26.

According to him, the fact that the people of Artsakh self-determined  many years ago, just like Armenia and Azerbaijan did, testifies to  their right to life. But to achieve this goal, an environment of  security and sustainable development is required. In this issue, the  oppositionist saw a significant role of Artsakh State Minister Ruben  Vardanyan. "His patriotic spirit and work experience, managerial and  charitable skills will allow him to continue the fight," Ohanyan  said.

He recalled yesterday's speech by Vardanyan at a rally in  Stepanakert, in which the state minister pointed out three options  for resolving the Karabakh issue: the first option is to be part of  Azerbaijan, which is what the Armenian authorities want so much and  which is unacceptable for the Armenian people. The second option is  to leave Artsakh, which is practically impossible today due to the  blockade of the republic, and the third option is to continue the  struggle.

"In this struggle, we have no right to leave the people of Artsakh  face to face with Azerbaijan. There is no an expression attributed to  the Republic of Artsakh, the expression of the Republic of Artsakh,  giving way to expressions that the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem prefers  to use. You can't give in to pressure. We have repeatedly said that  the defeated Armenian authorities are under the pressure of diktat  and coercion. 

If the RA government supports Artsakh in this difficult situation and  is not afraid of statements that Artsakh is obliged to self-determine  on its territory, then Artsakh will not be part of Azerbaijan. But,  unfortunately, the authorities have washed their hands of Artsakh>,  the oppositionist said.

Touching upon the negotiation process and the situation in the  region, the head of the faction stressed that the RA government is  playing a double game. "It is unacceptable when the government of  Armenia refuses to enter into negotiations with the participation of  representatives of Russia, which is the guarantor of [Artsakh]  security, while and the authorities are currently looking to the  West," the oppositionist stressed.