Nagorno-Karabakh Declares Independence as Armenian Republic
Disputed region proclaims sovereignty, setting stage for full-scale war between Armenia and Azerbaijan
STEPANAKERT, Nagorno-Karabakh - The regional parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh today declared independence as the “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” rejecting Azerbaijani sovereignty and setting the stage for intensified warfare over the disputed territory.
The declaration, passed unanimously by ethnic Armenian deputies while Azerbaijani representatives boycotted, proclaimed the establishment of a sovereign state based on the region’s 1988 referendum to join Armenia. Thousands celebrated in Stepanakert’s central square despite sporadic shelling.
“Today we exercise our right to self-determination guaranteed by international law,” declared parliamentary speaker Artur Mkrtchyan. “The people of Artsakh will never again submit to Azerbaijani rule that brought only suffering and oppression.”
The timing follows Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s recent independence declarations, transforming what was an internal Soviet dispute into a conflict between sovereign states over a self-proclaimed third entity.
Legal Limbo
The declaration creates a complex legal situation. Nagorno-Karabakh claims independence based on Soviet law allowing autonomous regions to decide their status when republics leave the USSR. Azerbaijan rejects this interpretation, insisting the region remains its integral territory.
“This illegal separatist act has no juridical force,” stated Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Tofiq Gasymov. “The international community will never recognize this so-called republic carved from Azerbaijan’s territory.”
Armenia stopped short of recognizing the new republic, though expressing support for “Karabakh’s right to determine its own fate.” This careful position aims to maintain diplomatic flexibility while supporting ethnic kin.
Military Reality
Despite legal disputes, military facts increasingly favor the Armenian side. Nagorno-Karabakh forces, reinforced by volunteers from Armenia, control most of the region and have begun offensive operations beyond its Soviet-era boundaries.
“Independence isn’t just words on paper - we’re creating facts on the ground,” explained military commander Samvel Babayan. “Each village we liberate expands the republic’s real borders.”
The declaration immediately affects military operations. Karabakh forces now fight as a “national army” rather than irregulars, boosting morale and recruitment. The republic begins issuing its own military documents and ranks.
Civilian Exodus
The independence declaration accelerates ethnic separation. Remaining Azerbaijani civilians flee Nagorno-Karabakh, while Armenians in Azerbaijan-controlled areas face intensified pressure to leave.
“They declared independence from us, so we’re leaving,” said Rafiq Mammadov, loading his family’s belongings in Shusha. “This isn’t our home anymore. Let them have their Armenian republic.”
The demographic transformation approaches completion. From a pre-war population that was 75% Armenian and 25% Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh becomes almost entirely Armenian. Centuries of ethnic coexistence end in mutual expulsion.
International Isolation
No country immediately recognizes the new republic, leaving it in diplomatic isolation. Even Armenia hesitates, understanding that recognition would end any chance of negotiated settlement with Azerbaijan.
“We’re prepared for a long struggle for recognition,” admitted Foreign Minister Robert Kocharyan. “Many nations began unrecognized - Israel, Bangladesh, Croatia. Justice eventually prevails.”
The UN and OSCE refuse to acknowledge the declaration, insisting on Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. This diplomatic rejection forces Nagorno-Karabakh into total dependence on Armenia for survival.
Escalation Inevitable
The independence declaration makes compromise impossible. Azerbaijan cannot accept losing territory, while Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians cannot accept returning to Azerbaijani rule after years of conflict.
“This ends any pretense of negotiation,” observes Russian analyst Pavel Felgenhauer. “Both sides now fight for incompatible absolutes - territorial integrity versus self-determination.”
Military activity intensifies immediately. Azerbaijani forces launch artillery strikes on Stepanakert while Armenian units probe Azerbaijani positions. The informal war edges toward official status.
Historical Moment
For Karabakh Armenians, independence represents historical justice - correcting Stalin’s 1921 decision to place the region under Azerbaijani control. Churches hold special services blessing the new republic. Veterans of the self-defense forces receive honors as founding fathers.
“My grandfather dreamed of this day,” wept 80-year-old Varsenik Harutyunyan. “He remembered when Stalin gave us to Azerbaijan. He died believing we’d be free again.”
As night falls, Stepanakert celebrates despite the danger. The capital lacks electricity and water, shells fall sporadically, and winter approaches with shortages of everything. But for tonight, none of that matters.
The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic exists, recognized or not. Born in violence, sustained by determination, its future depends on military victory rather than diplomatic acceptance. The price of independence will be paid in blood - how much remains the only question.