Armenia’s Parliament Opens Fall Session as Speaker Alen Simonyan Defends Government's Actions in Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Armenia’s National Assembly officially began its fall session on Monday, with a packed agenda of 44 issues, including 11 matters set for debate in their second reading. The session is a critical period for the country, following recent war, genocide and political shifts. The central topic of discussion has been the future of Armenia’s relationship with Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, and the dissolution of the Armenia-Karabakh inter parliamentary commission.

Armenia-Karabakh Commission: To Continue or Dissolve?

During the parliamentary session, Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan suggested that the Armenia-Karabakh inter parliamentary commission be dissolved. According to Simonyan, the commission has lost its relevance due to the lack of official representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh. He explained that the format of the commission no longer made sense following the recent occupation of the region.

"I believe that we should discuss the matter of canceling that format because there is no longer a Nagorno-Karabakh, Artsakh official, and no one in Armenia has a similar status any longer," Simonyan stated, emphasizing that from a legal perspective, Nagorno-Karabakh no longer exists as it once did.

In response, opposition leader Artsvik Minasyan argued that the dissolution was not within Simonyan's authority. He pointed out that Armenia’s laws and international treaties still recognize Nagorno-Karabakh, and that such a decision must go through legal channels. Minasyan emphasized that the commission remains valid as long as these laws are in place.

Simonyan, however, stood firm, citing the decision of Nagorno-Karabakh’s own officials to dissolve their governing structures. He questioned the feasibility of holding meetings without representatives from the region, saying that his current duty is to address the concerns of displaced Armenians.

The Aftermath of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Conflict

Photo. Credit: David Ghahramanyan

Nagorno-Karabakh has been a focal point of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades, but the situation escalated in September 2023, leading to a forced mass exodus and complete loss. According to Simonyan, Azerbaijan’s actions were aimed not only at de-Armenianizing Nagorno-Karabakh but also at attacking and potentially destroying Armenia itself.

He defended Armenia's leadership, stating that their decisions during the conflict were made to protect the sovereignty of the Armenian state. While acknowledging the difficult choices that were made, Simonyan rejected accusations that the government had abandoned Artsakh, arguing that they had done everything possible within the limits of the situation. He also noted that the government has taken responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

International Relations and Armenia’s Position

Armenia’s geopolitical position has come under the spotlight, especially concerning its relationship with Russia, Azerbaijan, and international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the United Nations (UN).

Simonyan addressed concerns about Armenia’s ties with the CSTO, stating that while Armenia remains a member, the country has witnessed attacks through other channels despite its membership. He stressed that speaking to Armenia with threats was the wrong approach, and that the country's interests would always come first in its international dealings.

He also emphasized  Armenia's participation in the CIS, stating that the Almaty Declaration of 1991, a core CIS document, serves as the foundation for many of Armenia’s negotiation strategies today. Simonyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to the CIS but noted that the country would continue to explore other international platforms like BRICS to strengthen its economic ties without jeopardizing its European integration.

Iran’s Role in Armenia’s Security

During the fall session, Simonyan also commented on Iran’s involvement in the region, welcoming the country’s active support of Armenia. He expressed concern that Azerbaijan may resort to further aggression against Armenia, but praised Iran’s statements as a positive development. Iran’s growing influence in the region is seen by many as a potential counterbalance to Azerbaijan’s military actions and the broader regional dynamics.

Peace Treaty and POWs

Another significant issue discussed in the session was the ongoing negotiations for a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Simonyan stated that the matter of Armenian captives held by Azerbaijan remains unresolved, despite being included in the trilateral ceasefire agreement signed in November 2020. He emphasized that both Russia and Azerbaijan have failed to fulfill their obligations to return prisoners of war and other detainees, casting doubt on their commitment to the peace process.

As discussions continue, there is also speculation about Armenia’s participation in the upcoming COP29 UN Climate Change Conference, which is set to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, later this year. Simonyan clarified that the event is a UN initiative, and Armenia’s participation will depend on the progress made in peace negotiations and the return of Armenian captives.