A separatist leader representing Nagorno-Karabakh has declared that the breakaway territory will cease to exist starting January 1, 2024. This announcement comes as Azerbaijani authorities plan to fully annex the region, which was seized from Armenian control recently.

Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with a history of Armenian control spanning three decades, has experienced a significant exodus of its majority ethnic Armenian population, with more than half fleeing, as confirmed by officials.

The decision to dissolve the state, as stated by Shahramanyan, is grounded in the priority of safeguarding the physical security and vital interests of the region's people. This decision is underpinned by Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring that residents can travel freely, voluntarily, and without hindrance.

Mr. Shahramanyan also encourages the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those currently residing outside the region, to familiarize themselves with the conditions for reintegrating into Azerbaijan. Talks have commenced between Baku and the Karabakh authorities concerning this process.

"Dissolve all state institutions and organizations under their departmental subordination by January 1, 2024, and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) ceases to exist," said the decree. This announcement coincided with the mass exodus of tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians following Azerbaijan's recent offensive.

Nagorno-Karabakh, an area under the historical governance of ethnic Armenians, holds international recognition as part of Azerbaijan. In December 2022, fears of renewed conflict emerged when Azerbaijan closed a vital passage to the region, called the Lachin corridor.

A prominent Armenian leader, Ruben Vardanyan, has been detained by Azerbaijani authorities while attempting to depart from the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. This arrest follows the departure of thousands of ethnic Armenians from the region, fearing potential persecution by Azerbaijani officials.

Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian entrepreneur, held the position of regional governor from November 2022 until February of the current year. In response to his arrest, Vardanyan's wife has issued an appeal for assistance to ensure the safe release of the separatist leader.

"Ruben has stood with the Arsakh people during the 10-month blockade and has suffered with them in their struggle for survival," said Veronika Zonabend.

"Azerbaijan, in a statement to AFP, has expressed its willingness to extend amnesty to "Armenian fighters who lay down their arms in Karabakh." However, they have emphasized that individuals who have committed war crimes during the Karabakh conflict must be surrendered to Azerbaijani authorities.

Baku had previously announced active efforts to locate and apprehend suspects implicated in "war crimes." Despite this, a significant portion of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians residing in the region remain apprehensive about their future. Armenia's prime minister has raised concerns about the potential onset of "ethnic cleansing."

Western governments, including Germany, have been urging Azerbaijan to allow international observers to monitor the situation in Karabakh and oversee the treatment of the local population. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has advocated for increased "transparency" in this regard.

Azerbaijan has announced its willingness to grant amnesty to "Armenian fighters who surrender their weapons in Karabakh." However, they have made it clear that individuals who have committed war crimes during the Karabakh conflict must be handed over to Azerbaijani authorities.

Image source: CNN