Some officials and public figures have been making very dangerous statements about the borders of the Republic of Armenia in recent days, speaking with mechanical approaches, referring only to some maps or simply using the words “demarcation” and “delimitation”.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan reported.

“I warn those officials and public figures that your mechanical statements directly contradict the rights and legal interests of the entire population of Armenia and, first of all, the border residents.

These irresponsible statements numb the vigilance of our people; endanger the rights of our children and the peaceful future in the long run.

Proper demarcation is a strong guarantee of human rights, but demarcation issues cannot be approached mechanically.

Demarcation has a direct impact on the rights of people living in our border villages and towns (property, farming and animal husbandry, dignified, safe and peaceful living, etc.).

We should not forget that at the highest level of power in Azerbaijan, Armenia and the Armenian people, the citizens of Armenia are considered enemies, and the hatred towards Armenians has state patronage. We should not forget that the Azerbaijani armed forces tortured and beheaded our compatriots only a few months ago, and for that in addition of not being held accountable, they were encouraged. We should not forget about the human rights violations committed by the Azerbaijani military in Syunik and Gegharkunik after the cessation of the armed attacks, as well as the fact that the Azerbaijani authorities still refuse to return our captives in gross violation of international human rights guarantees.

The exact opposite should be done: demarcation should be carried out only after the creation of a security zone or at least in parallel with it.

“I emphasize once again that in the current conditions, merely the demarcation with Azerbaijan without a security zone will not only not guarantee the rights of the citizens of Armenia and especially the border residents, but will cause new violations and new tensions, and will not ensure peace in the region.” The Ombudsman wrote on his page.