Samvel Babayan on Azerbaijan's Aggression: 'Why Are You Here?'

The term of current Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan is coming to an end, and presidential and parliamentary elections are set to take place in Artsakh in 2020.

During this period, individuals expressing a desire to take power in Artsakh are already emerging. The potential candidates for the next presidency include Arayik Harutyunyan, President of the Free Homeland party, Vitali Balasanyan, Secretary of the Security Council of Artsakh, and the current president, Bako Sahakyan, who is also viewed as a significant political figure.

According to the 'Hayastan' newspaper, former commander of the Artsakh army Samvel Babayan does not want to remain indifferent to the ongoing political developments in Artsakh. In an interview with the newspaper, he stated that he has no political interest in either Artsakh or Armenia.

- What will determine whether you have such an intention or not? - According to the Constitution of the Republic of Artsakh, you must have lived there for the last 10 years. Well, I've been living in Armenia. Now they say in Armenia, 'Why has he come here?' And as for the people of Artsakh, you know they're imposing restrictions. Now I don’t even know how to answer your question.

- So, are you waiting for legislative changes?

- I don't expect that they will voluntarily make such changes.

- Will you interfere to ensure such developments happen?

- Not yet; I am not getting involved in anything.

- Not yet? Are you waiting for some proposal?

- Right now, I am just observing the developments. Let everything go its course. Why should I interfere? I don't have that kind of complex. If a proposal arises, we will discuss it. There is no such proposal yet.

- From whom do you expect a proposal?

- If it comes, I will think about it. Now, who will put forward such a proposal? Perhaps the people of Artsakh? If no one is doing such things, how can I just come in and say, 'What am I here for?' Am I here to save you or serve you? Others are serving too; let them serve.