“Nagorno-Karabakh Republic” will cease to exist starting from January

The “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic” will cease to exist from January 1, 2024, a decree signed on Thursday by the President of the unrecognized republic, Samvel Shahramanian, said, and added all “state institutions and organizations” would be dissolved on the day. 

 

The document outlined the population of Karabakh, including those currently outside its borders, should familiarize themselves with the reintegration conditions presented by Azerbaijan and independently and individually decide whether to stay or return to Karabakh.

 

According to Armenian data, the number of internally displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh had exceeded 65,000. 

 

Ethnic Armenians began to leave the region after Azerbaijan declared its sovereignty restored as a result of the September 19-20 military operation in Karabakh. 

 

Despite Baku’s statement that Armenians living in Karabakh were citizens of Azerbaijan and Baku’s goal was peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, many had decided to leave Karabakh and go to Armenia due to the lack of solid security guarantees.

 

Yerevan said the total residents of Karabakh amounted to 120,000.