In congratulating the people on the occasion of the independence day of the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh on September 1, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said, "All statements regarding the non-existence of Nagorno-Karabakh as a territorial unit and the solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem are groundless until the issues of security and protection of the rights of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians are finally resolved."

"32 years ago today, a declaration on the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh was adopted through self-determination at a joint meeting of deputies from all over the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province and Shaumyan Province. At that time, Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians witnessed massacres in Sumgait, Baku, and Kirovabad [Ganja], and the adoption of the declaration of independence was also related to existential danger," Pashinyan's appeal added.

He said that the Armenians living in Karabakh face the threat of ethnic cleansing due to the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the cessation of food, gas, and electricity supply. Pashinyan noted that during the discussions on Nagorno-Karabakh, the UN Security Council confirmed that there is a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and that the lives and safety of 120,000 people are under threat. At the same time, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan has not implemented the decisions of the International Court of Justice dated February 22 and July 6, 2023, regarding the provision of uninterrupted movement of vehicles and goods in both directions through the Lachin corridor.

Pashinyan said that they expect the international community to make efforts to prevent the implementation of the policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Prime Minister also emphasized that Armenia will continue its efforts to ensure normal life, security, and protection of rights in Nagorno-Karabakh.

On the same day, the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry stated that this is another proof of Armenia's ongoing claims against its territorial integrity and serves to promote separatism in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

The ministry said that 32 years ago, the adventure described as the unilateral secession of Nagorno-Karabakh without the permission of Azerbaijan was contrary to Soviet laws, and this was approved by the supreme constitution even then. The statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan emphasizes that Armenian officials, referring to the right to self-determination, held the fake independence referendum held by separatists in Karabakh on December 10, 1991, without the consent of Azerbaijan, which legally constitutes an integral part of the autonomous region, and without the participation of the Azerbaijani population of this region.