Europe’s involvement in Artsakh is critical first of all in term of civilizational considerations, and it is unfair for Artsakh to remain outside the attention of European institutions, Artsakh Human Rights Defender Ruben Melikyan stated at a discussion hosted by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) to discuss the possibilities of humanitarian assistance to Artsakh by European organizations.

“The April developments of 2016 should be taken as a dividing line, as Diasporas structures started paying increased attention to Artsakh issue which is the case with AGBU. One of the main expectations [of the program] is related to the Europe’s larger presence in Artsakh,” Melikyan said, referring to the engagement of the European Human Rights community that would strengthen the human rights protection in the internal life of Artsakh as well as positively impact in terms of maintaining the peace.

Asked whether human rights are respected in Artsakh in accordance with European criteria, Melikyan said: “We are doing our best. To the extent of our capabilities we attempt to issue legal positions in line with the European human rights norms.”