The right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is not subject to discussion, and the efforts for the country's independence must be continued. President Araik Harutyunyan announced this in an interview with Artsakh Public Television.
Arayik Harutyunyan (President of Artsakh) - We will fight within the framework of the important norm of the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh.
The Artsakh problem has nothing to do with Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, as the country became independent from the Soviet Union, Harutyunyan noted and reminded that the struggle for self-determination of Artsakh Armenians has a longer history than 30 years, since Nagorno-Karabakh was annexed to Azerbaijan.
Arayik Harutyunyan - We have to fight, but first of all, living in Artsakh. This formula will work. Our struggle continues, but in terms of success in the struggle, we must live, first of all, develop Artsakh.
Official Stepanakert is in favor of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, it does not mean that the Artsakh problem is solved, President Harutyunyan said.
Arayik Harutyunyan - First of all, as Armenians, we are also interested in terms of the stability of Armenia, the regulation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but the right to self-determination of Artsakh Armenians cannot be subordinated, or this agreement cannot hinder our struggle.
About the possible dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku.
According to President Arayik Harutyunyan, there are certain contacts, because humanitarian and infrastructural issues need to be resolved in post-war realities.
Arayik Harutyunyan - We must realize what problems we have in terms of electricity supply (gas supply is clear to everyone), in terms of communication supply, in terms of uninterrupted work, regular work of all these infrastructures, in relation to the new corridor.
According to Harutyunyan, the consequences of the 2020 war are severe, but Artsakh statehood has been saved. In a difficult moment, you have to stay, overcome difficulties by living.
