We Must Be Prepared for a Prolonged War: Araik Harutyunyan

The April War lasted 4 days, the Russians mediated, and we returned to the ceasefire. Are there signals now that a ceasefire regime could be established? Artsakh President Araik Harutyunyan stated during a press conference.

“At that time, Artsakh was fighting against Azerbaijan, and the Russians were able to ‘convince’ Azerbaijan and urge Armenia regarding the ceasefire. Today, they must talk to Armenia and Turkey. I do not know how willing the Russian authorities are to engage with the Turkish leadership,” said Harutyunyan.

Harutyunyan also emphasized that in those 4 days, the amount of enemy equipment destroyed was equal to that during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. As for the factors that would contribute to the end of the war, the President of Artsakh stated, “The main factor is the rationality, which is absent on the enemy's side, and also when the people of Azerbaijan understand that they have an anti-Azerbaijani authority.”

Araik Harutyunyan announced that we must be ready for a prolonged war: “If we are not prepared for a prolonged war, we will have issues realizing our vital problem—the issue of living in this country. Our Defense Army will impose peace on the adversary.”

Speaking about relations with Iran in these days, the president noted that besides some statements, there have not been other visible steps: “However, I would like to emphasize that one of the addressers of this war is Iran, as this war is also against them. Because we know what regional issues exist, especially with northern Iran.”