Head of Nagorno-Karabakh Signed a Decree on the Termination of the Republic’s Existence

President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree on the termination of the state’s existence. The unrecognized republic will cease to exist until 1 January 2024. “Dissolve all state institutions and organizations under their departmental subordination until 1 January 2024, and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) shall cease to exist,” the decree states. The text of the decree is published in the official Telegram-channel of the NKR President’s Office only in Russian, although the Telegram-channel is conducted more often in Armenian, sometimes with Russian translation. The information about the termination of the NKR existence was also confirmed by the Armenian state agency “Armenpress”. The population of Karabakh, including those outside of Karabakh, were offered to familiarize themselves with the terms of reintegration by Azerbaijan in order to decide whether to stay on the Karabakh territory or return there. According to the Telegram channel, the decision was made “in connection with the current difficult military-political situation, based on the priority of ensuring the physical security and vital interests of the people of Artsakh,” as well as taking into account the agreements with Azerbaijan, which were reached through the mediation of Russian peacekeepers. Baku promised free passage for Karabakh residents, including the military who had laid down their arms, through the Lachin corridor.