On April 2, Samvel Shahramanyan, the last de-facto President of the dissolved Nagorno-Karabakh, stated at the Yerablur military pantheon that the authorities of Armenia and Karabakh had consistently coordinated their actions in both peacetime and during military operations. Referring to remarks by Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, he emphasized that all key decisions regarding Karabakh were discussed jointly, noting that Armenia acted as the guarantor of Karabakh’s security. “All issues were discussed and agreed upon with the Armenian authorities. Yes, I also spoke with him,” Shahramanyan stated.
Addressing allegations of a power grab in Karabakh that allegedly led to the surrender of the region following his decree, Shahramanyan rejected such claims. He explained that Arayik Harutyunyan, the former President of the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh, had repeatedly expressed his intention to resign, citing a loss of public trust and insufficient resources to manage the crisis. According to Shahramanyan, political figures, including former presidents, attempted to dissuade Harutyunyan during the blockade period, but no coercion or pressure was applied. “I did not see any pressure,” he stated, adding that Harutyunyan actively searched for a successor and held discussions with several potential candidates.
Shahramanyan further noted that the transition of power followed established political procedures. He explained that a new leader required support from at least four of the five factions in the National Assembly, and that the Free Homeland party, founded by Harutyunyan, unanimously backed the process. Responding to claims that the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) had seized power, he clarified that David Ishkhanyan, who became Speaker of Parliament, had been nominated at Harutyunyan’s request.
He criticized such accusations as attempts to create internal divisions, urging society, particularly families of fallen soldiers and those involved in Karabakh’s struggle, not to be influenced by what he described as “provocations.” According to him, these narratives are intended to “divide and sow intolerance.”
Commenting on Pashinyan’s statement that “the people of Karabakh didn’t fight, they fled,” Shahramanyan described such claims as part of a broader agenda. He argued that during the 2020 war, responsibility lay with political and diplomatic decisions, which ultimately led to the loss of Karabakh and occupation of territories. “The Armenian people have lost Karabakh, and large territories of the Republic of Armenia are occupied,” he stated, adding that Azerbaijan continues to make demands that Armenia is compelled to address.
Regarding concerns that advocating for the return of Karabakh could trigger renewed conflict, Shahramanyan stressed that Armenia’s security remains a priority. He acknowledged the current challenges facing Armenia and stated that efforts are being made to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of defending rights under international law, including maintaining the issue of return on the international agenda.
https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/shahramanyan-rejects-allegations-of-power-grab-and-emphasizes-peaceful-transition.html
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