Pashinyan says return of refugees to Artsakh not realistic at PACE Session

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) that he does not consider the return of refugees to Nagorno-Karabakh realistic.

“Our understanding is that, with Armenia’s and the international community’s support, our compatriots displaced from Karabakh must settle in the Republic of Armenia. We have launched a housing program for them. Though it has been slow to start, I am convinced it will become more effective. We see the future of our compatriots from Karabakh in Armenia, as citizens of Armenia,” Pashinyan said, Sputnik Armenia reported.

He stressed the importance of telling people the truth so they can plan their lives realistically. “In general, I consider the topic of refugee return dangerous for the peace process. Manipulating it can cause new tensions,” he added.

Pashinyan noted that the Karabakh conflict itself began with humanitarian issues that escalated into a long-lasting conflict. He argued that in the coming decades Armenia and Azerbaijan should leave each other in peace and focus on economic cooperation and gradual dialogue.

A PACE MP also asked whether the issue of property compensation for Karabakh refugees was discussed in the peace agreement framework and whether their cultural heritage is endangered.

Pashinyan replied that while the initial peace and interstate relations agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan reflects certain arrangements, it does not cover every issue. He said additional mechanisms and platforms must be created for further discussions between the two countries.