ArmInfo. Armenia must clarify what it means by Artsakh's final status, Gegham Stepanyan, Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, told reporters on the sidelines on the Future Armenian forum as he responded to a question about Armenia not positively insisting on Nagormo- Karabakh's self-determination.
"I think Armenia must clarify what it means by 'the final status' and at least clarify that this status does not mean Artsakh's being part of Azerbaijan," Mr Stepanyan said.
"This option is unacceptable to us. The Artsakh people will not accept such a settlement," he said.
As to the international community's demand to "lower the bar," Mr Stepanyan said:
"I do not know what 'lowering the car' could mean. But I know for sure what it cannot mean. Artsakh has always been speaking of recognition of its rights to self-determination and independence."
He recalled various options, including interim ones, proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.
"Numerous options are available, with the only exception, namely, Artsakh being part of Azerbaijan," Mr Stepanyan said. He does not think that a decision unacceptable to Arstakh could be made. As to the international community turning a blind eye to Azerbaijan's anti-Armenian policy, he said it is "bitter reality." "Human rights protection is subject to political and geopolitical interests. And we have repeatedly voiced our concern at different discussions," he said.
This approach renders meaningless the thousands of documents adopted after World War II – they should be put aside for political interests to be served.
"But it does not mean our renouncing our way. We must remain committed to our chosen way – the right to self-determination, security, life and preservation of our cultural values. It is public perception. That is, if those making political decisions are invoking political gains, those defending public interests understand the human rights agenda. My task is to make ordinary people in Europe, the United States and Russia understand that the Artsakh population's rights cannot be protected with Azerbaijan implementing an anti- Armenian policy. I can say that, in my view, the Russian peacekeepers have changed their opinion on many issues after coming here and staying for a year and a half. That is why we are saying to international organizations: come here to see what is really taking place here."