
ArmInfo.Former Armenian Ombudsman and head of the Tatoyan Foundation, Arman Tatoyan, presented the priority issues that will be on the agenda of the political force he is creating, "Wings of Unity," at a press conference in Yerevan on October 9.
According to the human rights activist and founder of the new political force, the priorities will span several areas. Among the key areas of activity are foreign and domestic policy.
In the context of its foreign policy agenda, his political force will, of course, be guided by the interests of the country, but in a manner that aligns them with international trends. "In this matter, we also intend to be a country that does not abandon its obligations. Meanwhile, today, the Armenian authorities are promoting a position that contradicts this principle. Specifically, they assume international obligations and then abandon them at any convenient moment, when it conflicts with their narrow interests," Tatoyan explained. He noted the danger of this trend in the context of shaping the country's false image internationally. He also assured that in this matter, they will also demand a corresponding attitude from their allies, meaning that they fulfill their commitments to Armenia.
Speaking about domestic politics, Tatoyan drew attention to the atmosphere of hatred generated by the current government, including toward the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). He noted that in this matter, they will be guided by the principles of separation of powers, meaning they will exclude interference, in this case, in the affairs of the Church. In this context, Tatoyan also announced that their political force will work to eradicate obscene language from high-ranking officials.
The Rights of the Artsakh People and the Issue of Prisoners of War Another important issue, Tatoyan assured, will be documenting the crimes committed by both Azerbaijan and the Armenian authorities, particularly against the people of Artsakh. The former ombudsman emphasized that the return of the Artsakh population will not be on their agenda, as he considers this unrealistic. Instead, Tatoyan explained, they intend to advance the issue of a dignified life for the Artsakh people in Armenia, address their social issues, and prevent the spread of a climate of hatred against them. "We intend to identify the main problems facing the people of Artsakh even before the elections. Furthermore, we want to convey to the public that the identity of the Artsakh people is an integral part of the identity of Armenians. In this context, we intend to build a museum of the history of Artsakh in the center of Yerevan and create a special department for the issues of the forcibly displaced population to properly coordinate their issues at the state level," the former ombudsman explained.
Regarding the issue of Armenian prisoners of war held in Baku, Tatoyan noted that, first and foremost, they will not allow the protection of their rights to become a matter of negotiation. He emphasized that this is a purely humanitarian matter. In this regard, he recalled that from the very beginning, the Azerbaijani side has done everything possible to politicize this issue. "Meanwhile, we intend to consider this issue comprehensively. First, we will not discuss the release of individual groups—the Artsakh leadership, civilians, and military hostages. Second, we will view this issue as a threat to Armenia's security, since it is clear that Azerbaijan will attempt to exploit the trials being held against the Artsakh military-political leadership to exert further pressure," Tatoyan noted.
They also stated that, in this regard, they will take steps to establish international mechanisms that would strengthen oversight of the trials and allow for clarification of the fate of those missing. In this context, Tatoyan also noted that the opportunity to raise this issue existed at the trilateral meeting in Washington on August 8.
Negotiations and International Lawsuits Regarding the legacy of negotiations that will be passed on to the new leadership if elected, Tatoyan first emphasized that they do not intend to abandon Armenia's international obligations. In this context, he also described the country's withdrawal of international lawsuits against Azerbaijan, which had been filed in international courts, as dangerous. In this regard, he recalled that the International Court has issued nine judgments against Azerbaijan, which Armenia has yet to take advantage of. This, he said, is a vital issue for the country, one they intend to advance.
Border Delimitation and Demarcation Process. The former ombudsman further recalled that the entire border delimitation and demarcation process has been carried out to date in violation of the rights of Armenians living in border villages, a point he himself has repeatedly made. In this regard, Tatoyan noted that they have a rich documentary base, which they intend to advance through discussions and negotiations with their international colleagues. "In particular, we intend to promote the 1984-1987 maps, which were based on decisions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. In other words, we have a clear position on this issue, documents adopted in Armenia's favor. Meanwhile, we consider promoting the General Staff map unacceptable, as they are military maps and cannot be used for border delimitation and demarcation," Tatoyan explained.
Developing a Security System and Establishing Dialogue with Allies The former ombudsman further noted that they intend to pursue the path of developing their own defense system and military industry in order to build a stronger country. Touching on their external partnerships with other countries in this regard, he noted that they intend to pursue an open dialogue in this matter, but guided solely by domestic interests. In this context, Tatoyan touched on the problems that have arisen in relations with Russia. He stated that in this regard, they intend to promote an open dialogue with Russia to understand the prospects for further cooperation, particularly in matters of military-technical partnership, foreign policy, and so on. "Regarding Russia, the implementation of ethnic cleansing in the presence of Russian peacekeeping forces also remains a major concern for me. This is a contentious issue for me, which must be clarified by the Russian side. And there are many other questions and problems that must be substantiated and examined," Tatoyan explained.
He noted that this issue will be important, as Armenia lives in a region where it will certainly face similar problems again and again.
Peace Process The former ombudsman also touched on the peace process with Azerbaijan, noting that for them, peace is the result of an effective security system, the rejection of a climate of hatred, and the implementation of all the issues on the agenda of their political force.
Tatoyan also noted that he is well acquainted with the problems facing the country, precisely through his work as Armenia's ombudsman, noting that this, among other things, contributed to defining the principles that will guide their initiative. He also emphasized that they intend to conduct extensive work with the Armenian public to address all of these issues. And they see solving these problems as the country's way out of the current situation it finds itself in due to misguided policies.
As a reminder, Tatoyan announced his intention to participate in the country's political life and create a political initiative in a video address on October 6.