Karabakh is Set to Make Russian Second Official Language

By Emilio Luciano Cricchio 

Members of the National Assembly of Artsakh are proposing changes to the law on language, which will make Russian an official language in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The proponents of this draft law gave a number of reasons for the move, including that most Artsakh Armenians speak Russian as a second language, on top of this “it will allow for greater cooperation in a number of spheres and easier communication with the Russian peacekeepers stationed in Artsakh.” 

Supporters of the move are stating that the role of the Russian language in Nagorno-Karabakh needs to be reassessed, especially if the Russian peacekeeping mission is here for the long term, joint cooperation will therefore be necessary in many fields including education and healthcare.

The amendment to the law also envisions joint Armenian and Russian language publications, Armenian and Russian language press, and the printing of Russian language textbooks.

If the law passes, it will enter into force ten days after its official publication and will mean that state operations, statements and meetings can also be carried out in Russian. 

The 20th Article of the Constitution of Artsakh declares that the state language of Nagorno-Karabakh is Armenian. 

Armenian will retain its status as the state language, and Russian will become the official language.