I Urgently Initiate Steps to Reduce Tension and Find Peaceful Solutions to the Situation - President of Armenia

The President of the Republic, Armen Sarkissian, has made a call: “Dear compatriots,

Today, when we have not yet overcome the consequences of the war unleashed against Artsakh, when we have thousands of casualties and wounded, and when there are serious regional threats, we are, unfortunately, again in a highly explosive situation, which is fraught with unpredictable consequences for our state and statehood and can lead to irrevocable losses.

The country is in a state of martial law. The external threat is real—declaring a ceasefire is not a peace agreement. There are numerous challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh.

I call on everyone—state bodies, law enforcement agencies, political forces, and all citizens—to show restraint and wisdom; every unconsidered word or action increases tension and deepens the crisis further. Do not succumb to provocations and refrain from calls of hatred and intolerance. Our people cannot afford to be divided. Any attempt to destabilize the state and endanger statehood must be rejected. We must act unconditionally within the framework of the Constitution.

Once again confirming the role of the presidential institution as a balancing structure, I urgently initiate steps to reduce tension and find peaceful solutions to the situation. To allow the country to be shaken would be an affront to the memory of our thousands of fallen sons in the war. I call upon all of you to be vigilant, sober, and restrained.”