The Right of Artsakh Citizens to Dignified Living is Violated: Vitaly Balasanyan

Artsakh hero, Major General Vitaly Balasanyan wrote on his Facebook page: “Dear compatriots, brothers and sisters, brave fighters of a victorious nation, I warmly congratulate you on the occasion of the formation of the Armenian Army and the Day of the Defender of the Homeland.

The figure of the Defender of the Homeland has been shaped over the centuries in Armenian history. Throughout all times, the entire nation has been involved in the Armenian national liberation struggle; thousands of Armenians have performed heroic acts, many have become martyrs and achieved immortality while defending their homeland.

The role of the Defender of the Homeland was reborn during the Artsakh Liberation War and the years that followed. The spontaneously formed self-defense partisan groups during the war transformed into a regular army on the battlefield, which resisted the challenges posed by the enemy and became the guarantor of our security.

Today, we also celebrate with special gratitude the 28th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army, which protects the identity and existence of the Armenian people.

Despite the glorious victory we achieved, there are still many unresolved issues in Artsakh related to national security, defense capabilities, governance of state institutions, establishment of legality and justice, privatization of state property and lands, economic development, settlement of historically legal territories of Artsakh, exploitation of natural resources, demographic situation, unemployment, and poverty.

However, the presence of most of these problems in our country is primarily the result of the incompetence of the authorities. In some cases, the public interest has been subordinated to personal gain, creating fertile ground for the establishment of a shadow economy, the rooting of lawlessness and injustice, the enormous damage caused to the state due to the non-targeted use of the state budget, and the illegal privatization of agricultural and other lands, as well as gaining the right to exploit them for decades, leading to massive emigration and increasing citizens’ skepticism about the future.

This attitude towards a victorious nation in its own land is nothing less than a crime. The right of Artsakh citizens to a dignified life is violated, and their future is severely threatened.

I am confident that through the expression of political will, united efforts, dedication, and prioritization of state interests, we will ensure a DIGNIFIED LIFE in PROTECTED ARTSAKH.”

Wrote Artsakh hero, Major General Vitaly Balasanyan on January 27, 2020.