There is no legal ground for the handover of “enclaves” to Azerbaijan, Armenia’s former Prime Minister Vazgen Manukyan claims, warning it would clear the way for renewed war within Armenia’s territory.
"The existence of the enclaves was not stipulated by any Soviet law. They were once handed over to Azerbaijan by the consent of the local leadership. Accordingly, it has no legal force. They are de-jure Armenian territories," the politician said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The handover of enclaves to the enemy will create more favorable conditions and temptation for them to continue the war on Armenia’s territory. As a result, the peace treaty will become a war treaty,” Manukyan warned.
Separately, he rejected the “absurd” claims that surrendering Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) to Azerbaijan would open up an era of peace in the region.
"The mere fact that Armenia, regardless of the principle of territorial integrity, does not defend and promote the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination and independence humiliates us before the whole world. How can we live like this?" the politician wrote.
Manukyan urged the military and law enforcement authorities to protect the state.
"You did not take an oath to protect Nikol Pashinyan, but to protect the homeland, state, Constitution and laws. Nikol Pashinya’s activities and plans, first of all, run counter to the Armenian Constitution and laws, thus his rule is already illegitimate," the former PM said, accusing Pashinyan of treason.
“I urge the law enforcement agencies to keep a close eye on the developments in the country and to stop the state crime in time to be ready to join the larger part of the people who are resisting the national and state crime and are trying to prevent a national disaster and disgrace,” reads the statement.