ENSURING THE SECURITY OF ARTSAKH 4.22 The use of force by Azerbaijan in the context of the Karabakh conflict is the principal threat to Armenia’s security. 4.23 For the last three decades, Azerbaijan has continued to justify the mass slaughter of Armenians in Sumgait, Baku, Maragha, and Gandzak, and its Armenophobic policy has hindered the reconciliation process. 4.24 The military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan in April 2016, coupled with the atrocities and war crimes committed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against the peaceful population of Artsakh, reaffirmed that the population of Artsakh faces an existential threat. 4.25 While committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Republic of Armenia, as the guarantor of Artsakh’s security, supports the government of Artsakh in defending its population from Azerbaijan’s military aggression and coercion. The Republic of Armenia will prevent any new attempt to exterminate or expel the population of Artsakh. 4.26 Armenia is faithful to the peaceful resolution process under the aegis of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The question of Artsakh’s status and security is the very basis of the peace process. In this context, Armenia finds security and confidence-building measures by all parties to the conflict as a necessary component for shaping an environment conducive to peace. All parties to the conflict should make equal efforts towards preparing their respective populations for peace. 4.27 We shall continue to support the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination without restriction or coercion. Ensuring the security of the people of Artsakh in the process of conflict resolution and in the post-resolution phase is a mandatory condition and is not subject to concession. Artsakh must have the necessary defense lines that will safeguard its security and provide a system of safe, secure, and diversified communication with the external world, including the Republic of Armenia. 4.28 The right of peoples to self-determination, recognized by the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and all OSCE member states as one of the fundamental principles for the resolution of the conflict, provides a basis for the people of Artsakh, represented by its legitimately-elected government, to fully participate in all stages of negotiations determining their destiny. 4.29 The indefinite ceasefire agreements, signed in 1994-1995 between the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan, created a solid military-political equilibrium and the conditions necessary for the peace process. Azerbaijan’s attempts to disrupt this military-political NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF RA | 15