The Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) officially announced its dissolution, with President Samvel Shahramanyan signing a decree that the unrecognized republic will cease to exist on January 1, 2024.
Final Decree
The dissolution decree stated:
Considering the impossibility of ensuring the physical security and vital activity of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, based on the priority of saving the lives of our citizens, the Republic of Artsakh ceases to exist on January 1, 2024.
End of Self-Rule
Key points of dissolution:
- All institutions to cease operations
- Armed forces disbanded and disarmed
- Government property transferred to Azerbaijan
- Population urged to leave for Armenia
- No guarantees secured for remaining Armenians
The Republic of Artsakh existed for 32 years (1991-2023), though it was never recognized by any UN member state, including Armenia.
Final Government Session
The last cabinet meeting was emotional:
- Ministers openly weeping
- Final documents signed
- State seal ceremonially broken
- Archives prepared for destruction
- Flags lowered across empty cities
Population Exodus Complete
Last President’s Message
To my people scattered across the world: We fought for 32 years to live freely on our ancestral land. We have lost, but our spirit remains. Artsakh lives in our hearts forever. Forgive us.
International Reactions
Armenia’s Response
PM Pashinyan faced massive protests:
- Resignation demands
- Accusations of betrayal
- National mourning declared
- Refugee integration crisis
Azerbaijan’s Victory
President Aliyev declared:
“Historical justice has been restored. Karabakh is Azerbaijan forever.”
International Community
- US: “Deeply saddened by this outcome”
- EU: “A tragic end to the conflict”
- Russia: “Peacekeeping mission concluding”
- UN: “Monitoring refugee situation”
What Dies with Artsakh
- 301 AD: Armenia adopts Christianity, including Artsakh
- 5th Century: Armenian alphabet created, used in Artsakh
- 1918-1920: First independence attempt
- 1988: Modern independence movement begins
- 1991: Independence declared
- 1994: De facto independence after war
- 2020: Lost 70% of territory
- 2023: Complete dissolution
Cultural Catastrophe
With dissolution comes loss:
- 365 churches - Fate uncertain
- 5,000+ khachkars - Ancient stone crosses at risk
- Archaeological sites - Millennia of history
- Armenian schools - All closed forever
- Cultural identity - Erased from homeland
The Empty Republic
I turned off the lights in our newsroom for the last time. Outside, the city is dead. No sounds, no people, no life. Just the wind through empty streets where children once played.
Historical Verdict
As the Republic of Artsakh enters history:
- Achievement: 32 years of self-determination
- Tragedy: Ended by starvation and force
- Legacy: Proof of Armenian resilience
- Lesson: International law’s limitations
- Memory: Lives only in exile
The dissolution marks the first time in the 21st century that an entire self-governing entity has been eliminated through blockade, starvation, and military force.
At midnight on December 31, 2023, the Republic of Artsakh will officially cease to exist, ending not just 32 years of self-rule but potentially thousands of years of Armenian presence in the region.