The Customs Union (CU) has no connection with the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR; or Artsakh). 

NKR Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan stated the aforesaid at a press conference on Saturday, Karabakh-Open reports. 

“The CU is an organization that pursues economic cooperation objectives, and it does not pursue any political matter,” Mirzoyan said.

The Karabakh FM noted the abovementioned in response to a query on whether a customs checkpoint would be set up between Armenia and the NKR following Armenia’s accession to the Russian-led CU, and whether peacekeeping forces will be deployed in Artsakh.   

“The NKR’s status was determined by its population. And today, I do not see any reason for the NKR people’s decision to undergo a change,” the minister stressed.  

To the question as to whether or not Armenia’s CU accession could undermine the international recognition of the NKR, Karen Mirzoyan specifically responded as follows:  

“They are different processes. The NKR’s international recognition is not conditioned on becoming a member in an international organization, or having relations with it.

“The sole factor is the will of the NKR people, that the people of Artsakh continue to live in this land, create their state, and aim to develop it.

“They know us for the fact that we have been able to create a viable state, which not only is able to defend itself, but it has a prospect for development. In this regard, I do not see any major blow to the recognition process of the NKR.”