Early Parliamentary Elections Are Inevitable to Keep the Country Free of Shocks: President

The President of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, issued a statement emphasizing, "Dear compatriots from Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora, the worldwide Armenian community is currently experiencing one of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s millennial history. The goals that we have collectively aspired to since the longed-for independence of our homeland have been undermined. We have lost in the war imposed upon us, both in the battlefield and on diplomatic and international public platforms. I extend my condolences once again to the families and relatives of the fallen, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

We are the descendants of a people who survived and overcame the Genocide. While one can lose a battle, it is unacceptable to lose as a nation. The house burned by our own hands and the homeland lost can only be rebuilt by reclaiming our victory and creating the state for which we will all genuinely be proud. And we can undoubtedly achieve this by soberly assessing the situation, learning from the mistakes made, and uniting to engage in a national renaissance.

No matter the differences in our assessments of the past, it is clear that we are facing unprecedented challenges. Artsakh is severely wounded. Our society is turbulent. A wounded economy is burdened with enormous social problems. There is a humanitarian disaster due to the massive influx of people from Artsakh to Armenia. The situation is also extremely complicated due to the pandemic. Ultimately, the spirit of the Armenian person has been wounded in every corner of the world.

Today, our country is no longer the nation we had on September 26, and it is not even the same as what we had on November 8. We cannot ignore this reality and continue to live a normal life. In the past few days, I have held political consultations and numerous meetings with parliamentary and non-parliamentary forces, various public organizations, and individuals, in line with the demands of the moment. I have had telephone conversations with various organizations in the Diaspora and our compatriots. The overwhelming majority of the participants agree on one question - the resignation or cessation of the Prime Minister’s duties in accordance with the Constitution and holding early parliamentary elections.

It is evident that despite the cessation of hostilities, the Republic of Artsakh, the Republic of Armenia, and the entire Armenian people are entering a new phase of trials, where every mistake can have catastrophic consequences. In this situation, there is no alternative for the Armenian people but to be united and consolidated. In these days, each of us, especially politicians and state officials, must demonstrate a high level of responsibility and restraint, focusing efforts solely on finding ways to overcome the current crisis.

In this situation, I want to address the law enforcement agencies. Today you bear great responsibility, primarily to maintain order in our country, to be strong, resolute, but at the same time, to remember each time, in every instance, that the person in front of you is your sister or brother. Any deviation or violation of law and legality is unacceptable and unforgivable. I urge you to uphold and protect the law and legality.

Based on the observations formed from the meetings and consultations, considering the existing situation and the imperative to overcome it with dignity, listening to the public demand, it is clear that in order to keep the country free of shocks, early parliamentary elections will ultimately be inevitable. In this context, it seems to me that the only responsible approach is for the government and the ruling political force to objectively assess their own potential and present a roadmap in the short term that will outline the timeframe for initiating the relevant constitutional processes, through which it will be possible to conduct early parliamentary elections, and until then, governance will be handed over to a highly qualified National Accord Government.

My above observations aimed at overcoming the crisis in these difficult days for the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Artsakh, and the Armenian people living in different countries stem exclusively from state and national interests. I hope that all political forces will understand the responsibility of the moment and play their dignified part in this historical mission. I want to remind you that today, all eyes are on Armenia - both our friends and enemies. We have no other duty but to strengthen our country. We have no other path but to unify the people, without yielding to any words and actions that pose a risk of societal division.

Only in unity will we be able to straighten our backs under the burden of defeat and present ourselves, both to ourselves and to future generations and the international community, as the descendants of the people whom it is impossible to defeat. I am confident that the Armenian people will emerge honorably and victoriously from this difficult situation. God bless us all.