Issues relating to state borders proceed in absolutely wrong direction – Armenia Ombudsman

The issues relating to state borders proceed in absolutely wrong direction, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan said at a news conference today.

He noted that all the issues are included under the military and political components while human rights issues are completely ignored.

Tatoyan stressed that one of the key issues in the process of state border demarcation is how the rights of the residents of bordering territories are being guaranteed as a result of this process.

"In our case the state has put itself into boundaries due to military and political components. A dangerous thesis is being developed – human rights and security are being opposed," he said, noting that though the rights of the citizens living in bordering areas are being violated by Azerbaijani servicemen, the Republic of Armenia has commitment to defend its citizens.

Tatoyan stressed the need of having organized policy inside the state, by state bodies.

"We have officials who with their statements give gifts to the Azerbaijani authorities regarding the mentioned violations," Tatoyan said, adding that after their statements no matter how much he would claim in international instances that the rights of the residents of bordering areas are being violated they will quote the statements of these officials.