Following the forced displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia's government implemented short- and mid-term programs to prevent a humanitarian disaster. However, according to former Nagorno-Karabakh's minister for infrastructure and territorial administration, Hayk Khanumyan, while these efforts were initially successful in providing shelter and meeting basic needs, long-term programs have fallen short.

"Social security support is inadequate, and efforts to integrate Armenians from Artsakh into the labor market have seen little success," Khanumyan stated in an interview. He attributed this to the lack of international aid, highlighting the disparity between the support Armenia has received and the financial assistance provided to Türkiye for hosting Syrian refugees.

No Immediate Prospect for Karabakh Armenians' Return

Khanumyan expressed skepticism about the possibility of Karabakh Armenians returning to their homeland under current conditions. He accused Azerbaijan of pursuing an "ethnic cleansing" policy and argued that a return would only be possible if Baku’s leadership adopted a vision of regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence. However, he dismissed this scenario as unlikely, claiming that such a political mindset does not exist in Azerbaijan.

While international efforts to mediate the situation continue, Khanumyan remained doubtful about their impact. Referring to the Swiss National Council’s recent resolution calling for a peace forum between Azerbaijan and Karabakh Armenians, he acknowledged the importance of dialogue but questioned Azerbaijan’s willingness to engage in direct talks.

Criticism of Western Support and Armenia’s Foreign Policy

Khanumyan also criticized the lack of Western assistance for Karabakh Armenians, arguing that the U.S. and France, as former OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, failed to act when Azerbaijan launched its military offensive. He asserted that these countries bear direct responsibility for supporting the displaced population.

Regarding Armenia’s broader foreign policy, Khanumyan dismissed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s pro-Western stance as superficial. He described Armenia’s approach to Western integration as "more of a facade than a real strategy," citing the government’s failure to implement commitments under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU.

Concerns Over Political Engagement and the Fate of Nagorno-Karabakh Leaders

While acknowledging that the Karabakh Office remains active in Armenian political discourse, Khanumyan expressed skepticism about its ability to effect meaningful change. He was particularly critical of the Nagorno-Karabakh authorities based in Yerevan, arguing that they are incapable of securing rights or justice for displaced Armenians.

He also denounced the ongoing trials of former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders in Baku, calling them "hostages of the Aliyev regime." He asserted that they were being prosecuted for exercising the right to self-defense, a principle enshrined in the UN Charter.

Looking ahead to 2025, Khanumyan held low expectations for significant progress but hoped that more countries and international organizations would formally recognize the right of Karabakh Armenians to return to their homeland.

Contributed by Marut Vanyan