«We Cannot Afford Defeat»: Artsakh State Minister

Artsakh Republic State Minister Grigori Martirosyan made the following statement on his Facebook page:
“Four years have passed since the April War: on the night of April 1-2, 2016, fragile peace was shattered, and we once again defended the borders drawn in blood three decades ago. The Azerbaijani side launched large-scale military operations along the entire length of the Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line, using its arsenal and demonstrating inhumane treatment towards the civilian population. It is painful, but we have once again witnessed and experienced Azerbaijani aggression and brutalities against peaceful civilians, confirming that the Azerbaijani narrative has not changed at all.”

“Today we remember and pay our respects to the fallen children and elders in Martuni and Talish, the many volunteers who selflessly rushed to the battlefield, and of course, the officers and conscripts who have brilliantly fulfilled their duty to the homeland. They have crafted yet another heroic chapter in our recent history, demonstrating our willpower, defending the borders of the country, and once again redrawing the immeasurable boundary of devotion.”

“We cannot afford defeat. We must strengthen our place and role on the geopolitical and economic map of the world. I am more than confident that the unparalleled heroism of our soldiers and citizens during the April war is also needed in today’s situation of neither war nor peace, now and in the future, when each person’s thought and work, perseverance, and care are crucial for the prosperity and welfare of Artsakh.”