Policy of the Republic of Armenia on the Incorporation of Zangezur into Armenia(November 1918 — August 1919)
Policy of the Republic of Armenia on the Incorporation of Zangezur into Armenia
(November 1918 — August 1919)
Ghulyan Yurik
Summary
Key words: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Andranik, Arsen Shahmazyan, Parliament, regional council of Zangezur and Karabakh, representative
Between June and November 1918, the borders between the newly independent Armenia and Azerbaijan remained undefined. Seeking to avoid open confrontation with Azerbaijan and the continued Turkish presence, the Republic of Armenia adopted a cautious policy regarding the Zangezur question. Due to the self-defense measures organized by Andranik in Zangezur, no Turkish forces were able to enter Syunik. The military-political situation in the region remained essentially unchanged until the arrival of British forces. Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War, the Armenian government shifted from its earlier cautious stance on Zangezur and Karabakh to taking practical steps. Lieutenant Colonel Arsen Shahmazyan was appointed General Commissioner in Zangezur, although his position remained semi-secret. Like other parts of the country, Zangezur received state funds from Armenia. As of August 1919, Zangezur had not yet been formally incorporated into the Republic of Armenia; nevertheless, an Armenian administrative structure had been established, the region was governed by a representative of the Republic, it was financed from the state budget, and its delegates participated in parliamentary activities.