STEPANAKERT. – It is time to recognize Karabakh as an independent state, jurist member of the UN Justice Council said during the international conference held in Stepanakert.

Justice Geoffrey Robertson Q.C., jurist member of the UN Justice Council, said the principle that territorial integrity gives way when a crime against humanity is committed is being elaborated in the international law.

“Nagorno-Karabakh has all the attributes of statehood. Nagorno-Karabakh was given to Azerbaijan as a result of historical injustice. Under international law, Nagorno-Karabakh has a right to statehood. There are all criteria of sovereignty in Nagorno-Karabakh, even more than in many other states. The right of secession is granted when the fundamental rights of the people are infringed. This nation has a right to withdraw from the repressive state,” he said, speaking during the conference.

Recalling the final criteria of statehood were set in the Montevideo Convention: permanent population, a defined territory; government; and capacity to enter into relations with the other states. Nagorno-Karabakh has all criteria to be named an independent state.

“It is time to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state,” he resumed.

International conference titled “Artsakh’s National Liberation Struggle: From Gyulistan till our Days” was held in Stepanakert.