Arman Tatoyan, former Human Rights Defender of Armenia, has announced his participation in the 2026 parliamentary elections as a candidate for prime minister. He will run under the “Wings of Unity” initiative, which includes former State Revenue Committee head Davit Ananyan among its members.
Speaking at a press conference, Tatoyan said he had reached a point where staying out of politics was no longer an option. “People used to ask me why I wasn’t getting involved in politics. The time has come, and it’s now inevitable,” he said. “I can no longer look at politics merely professionally—it no longer serves the Armenian people. Through ‘Wings of Unity’, I want to direct all our efforts to defending the interests of the state and the people.”
He emphasized that the initiative’s mission is to unite society around common values. “‘Wings of Unity’ means we must be one another’s support and strength,” he added.
Tatoyan stated that his political force is not yet actively addressing the issue of the return of displaced Artsakh Armenians but cited principles of international law. “There are more than 120,000 compatriots displaced from their homeland. They have the right to return. This is not my personal opinion—it’s a norm of international law,” he said, pointing to a November 17, 2023, ruling by the International Court of Justice affirming the right of safe, voluntary, and sustainable return.
Tatoyan also criticized the Armenian government’s stance, saying it has equated the return of Artsakh Armenians with allowing Azerbaijanis to return to Nagorno-Karabakh. “This is unacceptable according to binding international rulings,” he noted, citing decisions from the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice that have ruled such claims inadmissible or no longer subject to review.
Regarding lawsuits filed against Azerbaijan, Tatoyan stated his government would honor Armenia’s international obligations, except in cases where they conflict with national interests. “Withdrawing these claims only benefits Azerbaijan, which fears their consequences for its expansionist policies,” he warned.
On the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation and demarcation process, Tatoyan said it has involved severe rights violations. “Azerbaijani forces are not only on Armenian territory. They are in homes and lands legally owned by our citizens,” he asserted.
Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for June 2026.
