Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan issued a call for unity on 19 September, stating: “Armenian statehood stands at the threshold of a new and catastrophic war, which could lead to consequences no less severe than the 44-day war. Given the danger of the impending disaster, I am convinced that the only solution is the combination of efforts of all key actors, particularly in the Republic of Armenia, on the basis of unity, sincere dialogue and prudence. Regardless of the tools by which it may be possible to prevent the disaster, the consolidation I have mentioned must nevertheless take place, so that we can with honour cast off this heavy and decisive challenge.”
Speaking about Artsakh, Harutyunyan stressed that because Russia is occupied and distracted, the guarantees of the Russian peacekeepers have been subject to certain breaches, and Azerbaijan is taking advantage of this situation. He expressed hope that it will be possible to increase the effectiveness of Russia’s peacekeeping mission and ensure its indefinite presence in Artsakh.
He once again urged the actors of the international community to fulfil their obligations and recognise the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination and the independence of Artsakh.
Harutyunyan stressed that any document that could regard Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan is unacceptable. “I again assure that we will not accept any document that contradicts the interests of the people of Artsakh, and I declare this now as well, for the whole world to hear,” he stressed, adding that they are open to resolving all fundamental issues through negotiations with the Azerbaijani side, and that is why there are periodic contacts with the Azerbaijani side regarding the search for missing persons, the use of water resources, the restoration and construction of infrastructure, and the organisation of agricultural work.
He also spoke about the process of constitutional reforms, noting that he plans to make important personnel and institutional changes in the system of state governance in the near future.
“I want to emphasise one of my main decisions in this regard — to form a political council attached to the president, in which I will invite all key actors of Artsakh’s political system to take part, from former presidents and other key officials to the leaders of parliamentary and extra-parliamentary political forces,” said Harutyunyan.
