On February 23, a government meeting was held under Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan. President Araik Harutyunyan made a speech during the government session, which we've included below.

"Dear compatriots,

Dear Colleagues,
After the disastrous war of 2020, Artsakh has entered a period of severe challenges, which we have been able to more or less withstand and maintain specific internal and external stability. And Azerbaijan's permanent blocking of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, the internationally recognized Lachin (Kashatagh) corridor, economic blockade, and putting the 120,000 people living in Artsakh in front of various humanitarian problems once again showed Azerbaijan's real goals near and far plans.

For more than 70 days, the people of Artsakh persistently fought and continued their fight to live and create in our sacred homeland with dignity, keep our ancestors' message holy, and keep the oath given to the graves of our martyred brothers and sisters intact. This struggle will be unceasing and endless; it can only end in victory. Now there are several questions that I would like to make some comments on.

What do we have as a result of the long blockade of Artsakh?

After the siege of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, the relatively peaceful and ordinary course of an inner life in Artsakh was utterly disrupted. We had the suspension of imports and exports, except for the cases of an intermittent, limited supply of certain humanitarian goods by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers; many families were divided, and problems related to the shortage of many vital interests arose, thousands of newly unemployed people appeared, thousands of business people stopped or reduced their activities, psychological issues emerged among the public, we had periodic interruptions of electricity and gas supply, transportation problems, disruptions in the everyday work of schools, kindergartens, and hospitals, the economy suffered more than 150 million dollars in losses and many other direct and indirect deprivations.

To a large extent, the blockade impacted the people of Artsakh in the following three directions: restriction of free movement, psychological terror, and disruption of vital infrastructure. If we have found solutions to resist the more or less long-term blockade regarding the first and second, then regarding the third, we have serious challenges that force us to make quick and decisive decisions. I will try to open the brackets within the security limits.

By completely disrupting the electricity supply from Armenia since January 9 and regularly disrupting the gas supply throughout the blockade, the Azerbaijani side has deliberately caused an ongoing energy crisis as the primary means of pressure. Since then, we have transitioned to crisis management of the energy system, operating local hydroelectric plants at total capacity and limiting consumption as much as possible, including through shutdowns and fan shutdowns of major economic enterprises. Throughout this period, the water resources of the Sarsang Reservoir have significantly been depleted, as we have released far more water for the operation of our main hydropower plant than the water resources entering the Sarsang. The situation is already critical, which means that from now on, we will have an extreme shortage of energy reserves with all its consequences.

During this period, the government has done a lot to regulate the work of solving the problems caused by the blockade. Although there are still many problems, cases of injustice have also been recorded, but we can claim that the level of efficiency of state services is increasing daily. Along with it, the deprivations of the population are being alleviated. Thank you to those who have adequately fulfilled their work and civil obligations. And let our compatriots who have shown unscrupulous behavior and suffer from an unacceptable obsession with the privileged realize that they are harming the motherland and themselves with that behavior because they are weakening our ranks and negatively affecting the psychological resistance of the society.

Besides all this, however, we have people ready for the struggle and difficulties who know the Azerbaijani genocidal goals and our red lines and are prepared to defend them. On the other hand, it is natural that people's questions arise regarding the plans, means, deadlines, red lines, risks, and other related issues of the struggle. I will answer those questions as much as possible within the limits of available information and admissibility, being ready for discussion in these and other formats.

As for Azerbaijan's short-term and long-term goals with the blockade of Artsakh, it is evident that with similar actions, Azerbaijan pursues the goal of ethnic cleansing of the people of Artsakh, with the logic that "there are no Armenians in Artsakh, there is no problem." And in the medium and short term, they aim to extract new vital concessions from Artsakh and Armenia, collapse the sovereignty and economy of Artsakh, increase our dependence on them, stimulate emigration with psychological terrorism, etc.

In this regard, the strategic goal of our struggle is to preserve and strengthen the Armenian, independent, and safe Artsakh. The primary purpose of this stage is to firmly resist the Azerbaijani provocations in order not to allow the success of the policy of ethnic cleansing. Protecting our vital interests and red lines is one of the crucial goals along the way.

The situation created in 2020 due to the illegal use of force cannot and should not be recognized as a starting point for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. The status of the Republic of Artsakh still needs international recognition based on respecting the right of self-determination of the people of Artsakh.

The primary means of struggle is to live steadfastly in Artsakh without giving in to various provocations of psychological pressure. The second is the unbreakable protection of vital interests and red lines, preventing irreversible violation. And the third is the increase of practical international pressure towards Azerbaijan, where the role of the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora is no less critical. We have placed considerable hopes on international pressure but have yet to see practical steps beyond kind and sometimes harsh statements. However, we continue our efforts on the international legal front as well. In that sense, yesterday's decision of the UN International Court of Justice was expected and welcomed with the demand to open the way, which, however, can only provide excellent results with the strong political will and practical steps of the influential actors of the international community. If available. Regardless of the responsibility and behavior showed by Azerbaijan, this should be considered a significant victory on the global legal platform, which has critical legal value and significance today and tomorrow.

To achieve the strategic goal of our struggle, we have to go a long way, taking into account the complexity of the conflict, the anti-Armenian policy of Azerbaijan, the instability of the regional geopolitical environment, and our internal vulnerabilities. And under these blockade conditions, our struggle has already provided quite preventive results. There are specific positive trends that this crisis can be significantly alleviated in the coming days without violating or damaging our vital interests and red lines. However, we are challenged to provide a somewhat stable and predictable environment for the coming months (maybe even a year or two) until the highly fragile world order is stabilized and we can significantly increase our internal resilience levels. And during this whole time, we need special vigilance, flexibility, foresight, and strategic patience.

What are the red lines of our struggle?

In Artsakh, our people should live a sovereign, safe, and dignified life; we should have a guaranteed right to self-determination and manage our destiny in our homeland until the comprehensive and final settlement of the conflict. The status quo should be maintained steadily, and the violators should be subjected to the harshest international response and responsibility; public power must be exercised by the procedure established by the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Artsakh, relations arising in the inner life of Artsakh must be regulated exclusively within the framework of legal regulations of Artsakh legislation. Our state symbols are subject to preservation with sanctity and full responsibility.

How do we see the settlement of the long conflict between Azerbaijan and Artsakh and related issues?

We are ready for dialogue and conflict settlement with Azerbaijan. Still, we have clear principles and red lines that derive from the fundamental rights, vital interests, and demands of the people of Artsakh. In that context, it is necessary to take into account the following main circumstances for dialogue and conflict settlement:

a. first of all, it is necessary to ensure a stable and mutually trusting environment, excluding provocations, cases of use of force, and manifestations of psychological violence, so that it is possible to discuss existing issues of mutual concern. Suppose the little and everyday matters can be addressed and solutions found through simple contacts. I consider the international community's participation essential for discussing more global and conflict-oriented issues to ensure the effectiveness of the dialogue and the protection of the parties' interests while reducing the possibility of pressure and coercion.

b. The blockade is the dutiful performance of the states, during which Azerbaijan must guarantee traffic safety, refrain from creating obstacles,
c. it is also necessary to guarantee the safety and regular operation of vital infrastructures from Armenia to Artsakh under Azerbaijani control, fully restoring gas and electricity supply and excluding new failure cases. It is important to emphasize that due to the inability of these infrastructures, as I mentioned, the water resources of the Sarsang reservoir have decreased sharply, which will create a severe crisis for Azerbaijani farmers in the spring and summer because there will not be enough water resources to irrigate tens of thousands of hectares of land.
d. our official dialogue can take place within an appropriate international format framework, which can be based on mutually acceptable principles, norms of international law, and equality. Of course, as in the post-war period, we do not rule out specific occasional communication with the Azerbaijani side on humanitarian and technical issues, but this cannot replace the dialogue on the political issues of the conflict.
e. The composition of negotiating delegations must be decided exclusively by the parties, which also means that Azerbaijan cannot interfere in the design of the Artsakh delegation. The same logic applies to the composition of the Azerbaijani delegation.
f. it is necessary to ensure the proper involvement of Artsakh in the international community, including the presence of UN structures in Artsakh, which will provide essential guarantees of both security and development for the people of Artsakh. It is noteworthy that Artsakh is the only unrecognized state in the world with no international involvement and does not even receive international humanitarian support, except for the minimal mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
g. for both the dialogue itself and the comprehensive settlement of the conflict, it is necessary to exclude the use of force and the threat of power, which international security guarantees must guarantee, including by increasing the effectiveness of the Russian peacekeeping mission,
h. The right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination and to manage their destiny is not subject to negotiation. It is our people's natural and fundamental right, established by famous international documents.
I. Artsakh will never give up its sovereignty, and there can be no question of integration with neighboring Azerbaijan. This is not an arbitrary decision or position; it is based solely on the right of the Artsakh Armenians to self-determination, safe and free living in their homeland, and the need to prevent severe ontological dangers caused by the Azerbaijani systemic policy based on absolute Armenian hatred.
j. International recognition of the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of the Artsakh Republic and any other process or solution beyond the logic of protection is unacceptable on our part, as it will undoubtedly lead to the ethnic destruction of the population of the Artsakh Republic by Azerbaijan.

What can Armenia and Diaspora do for Artsakh?

First, it is necessary to realize that the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity should be cherished and strengthened because it is in our national interests. Treating any of these three as a wholly separate or disturbing entity is unacceptable. Yes, Artsakh is of exceptional importance for the Armenian people; based on objective reality, Artsakh strives to act independently in solving its problems and raise international subjectivity, but without the constant support and accompaniment of Armenia and the Diaspora, Artsakh cannot succeed. And Artsakh also takes responsibility for its part in protecting national interests.

What is being done to ensure security?

Considerable work has been done and is being done to increase the efficiency of the own security system. Still, considering the sensitive issues on this topic, it is preferable to talk less about them and work more. Everyone living in Artsakh has the right to life, from which is born the right of universal self-defense to protect that right from attacks and harassment. This right will inextricably accompany us as long as there is a threat to the life and health of our citizens. However, given the extent of our vulnerability, it is essential to recognize that external safeguards for our security will continue to play a critical role for us for a long time. Therefore, we are trying to improve the effectiveness of the Russian peacekeeping mission and discussing the possibilities of applying other international political guarantees.

Although the conflict with Azerbaijan is our main challenge, which negatively affects all spheres of life of the people of Artsakh, our internal problems are also significant in building a developed future. Moreover, they also directly affect the effectiveness of efforts to solve security and foreign policy issues.

What are the primary challenges and to-dos in domestic life?

First of all, it should be noted that in terms of the future of Artsakh, there is a unified position in the entire society, including the political system. However, it is problematic that under the influence of various speculations and rumors, false and groundless divisions are being provoked in society on this topic. Unfortunately, this is done by the Azerbaijani side and sometimes by the Armenian circles.

Mutual respect and tolerance are fundamental inside. Everyone should realize that we have no enemies inside, we have chosen the dignified way to live and fight in our homeland, and we are all in the same line and position of the struggle. Therefore, I expect and demand that we all behave with the logic of fierce battle, being united around our goals and values, not about individuals, including me, because the main reason for our internal divisions is usually in personalized approaches.

After November 9, 2020, one of the most critical imperatives facing the Republic of Artsakh was ensuring internal solidarity and unity to overcome the country's problems dignifiedly. Nevertheless, the dissatisfaction formed among the public and the atmosphere of mistrust towards each other continues to be preserved, forcing the authorities to take additional steps to ensure stability and lasting peace of life in Artsakh.

We must admit that in 2020 In the situation created in Artsakh after the 44-day war, the state bodies expressing democracy, made based on the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, do not fully reflect public sentiments; in some cases, they do not have the necessary level of trust, which in today's uncertain and constantly changing conditions often creates waves of objective and subjective dissatisfaction, leads to outbursts, internal shocks. On the other hand, we must understand that internal instability, upheavals, and contradictions in Artsakh pose a severe threat, can significantly harm our interests, and cause changes in approaches, attitudes, and moods among external forces, which can cause unwanted consequences. We have adopted the universally recognized policy of respecting dissent and freedom of speech, even after the catastrophic 44-day war; not only have we not retreated in protecting human rights, but we have often even received positive responses from foreign audiences. Therefore, we should treat our country's reputation, international credit, and the need to maintain internal stability with full responsibility.

Recently, I met with the parties operating in Artsakh, representatives of the political forces involved in the National Assembly, presenting the country's situation, internal and external threats, and challenges. I responded to the statement of the representatives of the public sector, met with them, and accepted the claims about the polarization in the internal life of the country, the division of society, and the urgent need to strengthen faith and hope in the future among the public, and based on them, an advisory body attached to the President, composed of representatives of the regions of the Republic of Artsakh the requirement to create, which should serve as a platform for discussing issues related to the country's internal and external policy, have public-control objectified levers, a key and weighty right to present advice and recommendations. I plan to make that body a participant in discussing many more issues and problems, not only as a person giving advice or suggestions but also as a direct participant in various processes. We must fully convince our people that, without considering their opinion, no issue will be discussed behind the scenes, and no decision will be made regarding the fate of Artsakh and Artsakh Armenians. The implementation of this idea will start in the coming days. After my previous statement about establishing this advisory body, different views were voiced, and concerns were raised about the inadmissibility of reducing the powers of Constitutional bodies and transferring them to other bodies. Some even started targeting the initiative group. In reality, however, the speech and the initiative are not about reducing the powers of state bodies but, on the contrary, keeping their implementation under control.

If the public authorities already have such opposition, it will be able to serve as a sufficient deterrent.

Our disunity, division, enmity, hatred towards each other, the approach of preferring the personal to the state, and the atmosphere of inner life formed in combination with all this is a direct gift to our adversaries in carrying out their plan to conquer us. Every time, in different situations, we are convinced that the combined efforts of just a few people provide great results not only domestically but also on international platforms. Let's unite and feel the feeling of being invincible again.

I declare again that I will spare no effort and energy; I will do everything possible and impossible to make internal solidarity and unity a reality in Artsakh. All my upcoming steps will be primarily aimed at this. These are not just words, we all have to change, including me, and my next steps will convincingly become the practical expression of these words and statements.

The constitutional reforms initiated in recent days have become the subject of intense discussion. Some criticize, some extremize, and some give importance and significance. Nevertheless, any constitutional changes should be aimed at ensuring the internal stability of our country and facing the predicted dangers. In any case, I assure you that no constitutional change will be made to serve the interests of anyone or any group or force in Artsakh. It is excluded. We will make constitutional changes if we feel its urgency, importance, and necessity.

In domestic life, we need help fully implement the constitutional principles of social justice and the rule of law. Of course, there are many cases when statements about injustice or inequality have no objective basis or are fictitious, presented for political or other reasons. However, this is also the problem of the state and all of us. On the other hand, when there are many manifestations of injustice, it is challenging to separate objective and subjective, real and fake, among them. Therefore, shortly, we must take such steps that the legal principles of justice, the rule of law, and equality of all before the law will be implemented, not in the form of statements that are pleasant to hear but have a practical and tangible expression.

Discipline in the state system, rational organization of work, healthy and reliable connection between state authorities and citizens, dedication to work, and results are of particular importance to make all this a reality.

Dear compatriots,

Recently, the most discussed topic related to Artsakh was the relationship between Ruben Vardanyan and me, the news about the latter's position as state minister, and his dismissal. Once again, we witnessed that there are people and forces among us capable of destroying their own country and undermining the interests of our people to satisfy their political ambitions and show their hatred and enmity towards their neighbors. In this unquote struggle, such people and forces have an advantage in that they can satisfy their desires at the expense of harming the state and our people. In contrast, we, state bodies and officials, do not have the moral and legal opportunity to take such steps. Unfortunately, many people can show such behavior, but never Ruben Vardanyan.

Ruben Vardanyan is one of my closest friends, one of the exceptional ones who decided to move to Artsakh and live here at our people's most challenging and unfortunate moment. The news shocked me, and after hearing about that decision from Ruben Vardanyan, I immediately offered to join the state system as a state minister. Knowing Ruben Vardanyan, I was sure he would not hesitate briefly about my offer to take on that responsibility. Unfortunately, just days after Ruben Vardanyan's tenure, the blockade of Artsakh was followed, which almost neutralized all the plans that were to be implemented by him and the government.

Our people persistently united and chose the way to overcome the difficulties and trials with dignity and an open front. Now I want to publicly say that this struggle was also for the sake of Ruben Vardanyan, who is of great value to us. To exclude deliberate distortion of my mind and false interpretations, I must emphasize that from the moment our struggle began, Ruben Vardanyan summed up Artsakh and each of us in himself and his face. It is not unique for an Artsakh citizen to betray himself or a friend.

During all this time, Ruben Vardanyan and I have been together, following the events and developments taking place both in Artsakh and in the outside world daily; we have constantly exchanged ideas for the fact that he has always strived to the maximum in both friendly and partnership relations. To share the responsibility with me and not by referring to the constitutional norms to try to blame me. But on the other hand, he was aware and understanding of the scope and extent of my responsibility for the situation created in Artsakh and all subsequent problems.

During this period, I constantly discussed, evaluated, and analyzed all the existing problems formed after the blockade of Artsakh, followed the latest geopolitical developments around Artsakh and the South Caucasus, held several consultations, and informed about them. Also, Ruben Vardanyan, we had joint discussions. Although each of us may have a different option regarding our next steps and the way of building the road, Ruben Vardanyan approached my position with understanding, admitting that in any case, I have the most profound knowledge of the situation, I am informed of the maximum extent in my work, and comprehensive and in-depth evaluations of information are the most important. I can give completely.

Realizing the responsibility towards Artsakh and our people, and instead of ensuring that Artsakh is ready to develop and face the upcoming challenges, in order not to exhaust the resistance of all of us and the state, without opening parentheses, I have decided to release Ruben Vardanyan from the position of a state minister. Almost four months ago, I appointed Mr. Vardanyan to the positioworkte Minister; I must emphasize that the then and current situations differ significantly in both external and internal aspects. However, I highly appreciate Mr. Vardanyan's efforts during this period to raise international awareness about Artsakh and solve many internal problems during the blockade.

This topic was circulated in the press for days, with various comments. Some people were concerned about Ruben Vardanyan; some tried to present this decision as a blow to the spirit of struggle; even those declared that this fulfilled Azerbaijan's directive. Not wanting to address the authors of such characteristics, refraining from giving them qualifications and evaluations, I will only say that no one can experience more significant pain from this decision than I do. I do not discuss and coordinate my steps and decisions with anyone except the people of Artsakh and state bodies. I appointed Ruben Vardanyan to the position of state minister by my decision and made the proposal on my initiative; the people of Artsakh approved it; when making such a decision, I realized the possibility of problems arising in Azerbaijan and other places, but no one prevented me and could not prevent me. to make such a decision.

As for the struggle of our people, it did not start yesterday, and in this sense, our work cannot be personified. Our effort has a history of centuries; I, Ruben Vardanyan, or others never caused it. That struggle exists and will continue regardless of us. The work of our people is unbreakable.

I am sure Ruben Vardanyan will stay in Artsakh and multiply his efforts toward developing Artsakh with his active social activities. Our relations remain at a high level. I greatly value the active cooperation of state bodies and officials with Mr. Vardanyan and the organizations he led because he is devoted to the motherland and realizes the value of Artsakh for the entire Armenian people.

As for the speculations regarding the differences between Ruben Vardanyan and me over the foreign policy course, I should mention that the strategic goal of both of us is the Armenian, independent, and safe future of Artsakh; we both have the same perception regarding the vital interests and red lines of the people of Artsakh. However, our short-term approaches have specific tactical differences, which are based on differences in our perceptions of certain factors, including the highly unpredictable instability of the world and the region, the methods of defending red lines, the effectiveness of using Armenian resources and leverage, the influence of the interests and power of geopolitical actors.

We regularly discuss and debate these issues, including with the Security Council. One thing that is sure for me is that the official in Artsakh has an approach that deviates from our strategic goals and sees Artsakh as a part of Azerbaijan. Therefore, speculations about integration with Azerbaijan, cessation of struggle, and dignity are highly unacceptable. Individuals are transient, but the battle and national interests of the Armenian people (including the Artsakh part) are eternal. We are here to ensure the continuation of that struggle and the protection of national interests during the period entrusted to us. Whoever deviates from that path will receive state and popular punishment for state and national treason. And the primary arbiter of the debate in tactical matters is time.

On the other hand, one must realize that it is straightforward for people with no official responsibility and only seeing the tip of the iceberg to criticize and give apparently "sensible" advice. However, the reality is much more complicated, and it is necessary to take our wounded ship out of the waves and bring it to the lighthouse with careful and consistent work. And in that sense, no matter how important it is to have an open and honest dialogue with the public, at the same time, everyone should realize that it is not possible to present everything publicly because are not only we listening but also the opponent, who takes into account every data. And circumstances in efforts to weaken us even more.

I also propose to the Prosecutor, General Gurgen Nersisyan, to take over the duties of the State Minister. I am glad he is ready to take that problematic responsibility in this challenging situation. He will state the final decision shortly. I chose Mr. Nersisyan's candidacy, considering his professional and human qualities, professionalism, fairness, righteousness, and patriotism. Due to the nature of the work, many works done by Mr. Nersisyan for the benefit of Artsakh are not mentioned, and minimal people are informed about them; I am sure, one day, the public will also be informed about all this and will be informed about the amount of work done by the prosecutor's office in the last two years: Under the leadership of Gurgen Nersisyan.

All executive bodies will coordinate with the new state minister, except for the power structures and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As in the case of Mr. Vardanyan, Mr. Nersisyan will also receive from me broad powers and freedom for decision-making in his field of coordination, including personnel issues. Naturally, as of today, important decisions will be made due to collegial discussions with the Security Council and the government, ensuring the inclusive participation of the public in that process as much as possible.

How to continue the struggle, and what is the role of every citizen of Artsakh?

This is the last but most important question. A lot depends on us in building a better future for Artsakh. The mentality of helplessness and indifference spread by the enemy is highly unacceptable and dangerous. The main factor influencing the future of Artsakh remains the will and behavior of the people of Artsakh, which the Azerbaijani side is working to break as much as possible, using a criminal and broad toolkit of physical and psychological pressure.

Every citizen has at least two clear things to do for the future of Artsakh: live in Artsakh and do daily compassionate, proactive, and continuously improving work in his position, from soldier to teacher, from farmer to public servant. No matter how difficult the struggle may seem, there are solutions, and running away from it is running away from one's values and responsibility. And the state, more than ever, will stand next to every citizen, sharing the honorable burden of struggle and commitment.

Therefore, we continue our struggle for an Armenian, independent, and safe Artsakh, living resolutely and acting compassionately in Artsakh."