ARFD representative slams Azerbaijan for fake charges

PanARMENIAN.Net - Mario Nalbandian, representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF, also known as Dashnaktsutyun), addressed the Council of the Presidency of the Socialist International (SI) in Istanbul, drawing attention to Azerbaijan’s violations of international law and its treatment of Armenian prisoners.

He stated that “Azerbaijan is prosecuting Armenian captives on false charges,” according to the ARF Bureau’s Central Hai Tad office.

Speaking on May 24 during a session titled “Overcoming violence and conflict, protecting civilians,” Nalbandian warned that international legal norms are increasingly ignored in favor of brute force, both domestically and globally, marking an era of “post-legality.”

He reminded the assembly that in late 2023, UN Special Adviser Alice Wairimu Nderitu identified Armenians of Artsakh as one of several groups under threat of genocide. Despite 75 years since the UN Genocide Convention was adopted, Nalbandian said, the international community has failed to respond adequately to these dangers.

“Azerbaijan disregards the International Court of Justice ruling to guarantee the rights of the indigenous people and enable their safe and dignified return. Instead, it continues to detain Armenian prisoners, including Artsakh leaders, under fabricated accusations—among them is our friend Davit Ishkhanyan, whom many met at the 2022 SI Congress,” Nalbandian stated.

He also condemned Azerbaijan’s systematic destruction of Armenian religious and cultural heritage.

During other speeches at the session, leaders from Israel, Belarus, and Azerbaijan were cited as dangerous examples in modern politics.

Nalbandian also addressed Armenia–Turkey relations, stressing that despite Armenia’s readiness since 1991 to establish diplomatic ties without preconditions, Turkey has consistently imposed them. He added that genuine regional peace requires Turkey to acknowledge its role in the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923.

“Imposed peace is neither just nor sustainable,” he concluded.

Mario Nalbandian participated in SI leadership, finance, and council sessions in Istanbul from May 23–25, alongside delegates from 132 parties across more than 100 countries. The meetings were hosted by Turkey’s Republican People's Party (CHP) and chaired by Spanish Prime Minister and SI President Pedro Sánchez.