Nagorno-Karabakh issue is not closed, and the right of its people to return is not a fantasy

By Vartan Oskanian

Former Foreign Minister of Republic of Armenia

When Nikol Pashinyan declares that the return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to their homes is “not realistic,” he is not describing reality—he is shaping a defeatist narrative to justify his own failures. The truth is that the right of return is not only realistic but guaranteed by international law, affirmed by political resolutions across Europe and beyond, and even acknowledged by Azerbaijan itself in moments of candor. What makes it appear unrealistic today is not law or diplomacy, but the unwillingness of Armenia’s current government to even place the issue on the agenda.

History shows us that international support follows political will. Consider Ukraine: President Zelensky takes a hard line, Western capitals echo his firmness; the moment he signals openness to concessions, even the most hawkish supporters quickly adjust their rhetoric, urging compromise. That is the way of international politics—leaders set the tone, and the chorus follows. The same applies here: the moment Armenia has a government that insists on the right of return, that articulates it clearly, persistently and most importantly reasonably and convincingly, the “realism” of return will suddenly look very different.

Indeed, the groundwork already exists. The International Court of Justice has ordered Azerbaijan to allow the safe and unhindered return of the displaced. The European Parliament has twice called for dialogue and guarantees of dignity for Karabakh Armenians. The Swiss Parliament has mandated the creation of a platform for such dialogue. These are not abstract ideas; they are live instruments waiting for Armenia’s government to pick them up and use them. Pashinyan’s silence does not erase these achievements—it only squanders them.

Nagorno-Karabakh issue is not closed, and the right of its people to return is not a fantasy. It is a principle enshrined in law, affirmed in politics, and etched into the Armenian conscience. The moment Armenia once again has a government willing to defend its people, the international community will follow.