Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Armenia’s representative for international legal affairs, issued a statement about initiation of arbitration proceedings by Azerbaijan against Armenia within the framework of the Bern Convention. The statement reads as follows:

“On 18 January 2023, the Republic of Armenia received notice that the Republic of Azerbaijan (‘Azerbaijan’) is commencing an arbitration against Armenia under the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the ‘Bern Convention’).

Armenia regrets that Azerbaijan has chosen to pursue an adversarial process under an international instrument the very purpose of which is ‘to promote … cooperation’ among States ‘to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats.’

Armenia has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the conservation of the region’s wildlife and preservation of the environment, including through its close engagement with the Bern Convention’s monitoring and other bodies.

Armenia’s environmental record also speaks for itself. Armenia is concerned that Azerbaijan’s pursuit of a contentious path for reasons that appear to have no relation to the Bern Convention’s objectives may have detrimental impacts for the region’s environment, which was significantly harmed as a result of Azerbaijan’s aggressive wars in the last two years.

Armenia is committed to the protection and conservation of the environment and will continue to comply with its obligations under international environmental instruments, including the Bern Convention.”