Two of the 14 Candidates for Artsakh President are My Students, We Are All Friends and Relatives: Arayik Harutyunyan

All 14 candidates for the presidency of Artsakh are my friends; I have no rivals in Artsakh. I have a history with Masis Mayilyan, and we are also neighbors. Samvel Babayan was my commander during my service, and two of the candidates are my students. Do not try to drive a wedge between us.

This was stated today by Arayik Harutyunyan, the presidential candidate and leader of the 'Free Homeland' party, during a press conference.

In response to a journalist’s remark that while you claim you are ready to cooperate with all forces in Artsakh, Vitaly Balasanyan has stated that he does not accept the policies of the Armenian authorities, particularly on the issue of Artsakh, Harutyunyan said:  “We have not yet spoken with Vitaly Balasanyan. If it turns out that his harsh statements towards the Armenian authorities, especially in the area of foreign policy, do not correspond to reality, we can cooperate. If not, how can we collaborate? We will try to cooperate differently, but that doesn't mean we will become opponents; the cooperation will take on a different format.

The opposition in parliament also has a lot to do for our country. I have great opportunities to meet with Vitaly Balasanyan; it’s not as if we are enemies. I could call him now, and we could arrange a meeting without any issues,” said Harutyunyan.

I mentioned that I have two of my students among the 14 candidates; let’s not name names because Artsakh is very small. They are all friends, relatives, and acquaintances of one another.

“I believe there is no higher status than that of a former president; it is more than that of a sitting president,” said Artsakh presidential candidate Arayik Harutyunyan in response to a journalist’s question regarding Bakoo Sahakyan's statement that he would continue to live in Artsakh and whether he would hold any position if you win.

“Bakoo Sahakyan has stated that he will stay in Artsakh and assist the authorities there, but what does it mean to help? Does it need to be a mandatory position? A former president already holds the highest position,” said Harutyunyan.