I am Confident that at Least the Former Borders of the NKR Will Be Restored: Vitaly Balasanyan

The Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Artsakh, Vitaly Balasanyan, addressed the information regarding Armenia's withdrawal of its military units from Artsakh and the halt of sending new conscripts to the region during an interview with Sputnik Armenia.

"Those who wish can come to Artsakh, register as citizens of the Republic, and serve in the Defense Army. Russian peacekeeping forces are present here, with a mandate to prevent any bilateral encroachments. Meanwhile, the process of structural changes in the Artsakh army has begun, and reinforcements are underway. The Artsakh army will be capable of conducting defensive battles," Balasanyan stated.

According to Balasanyan, given the new geopolitical realities, Artsakh needs a professional military, although the option for draft service remains in effect. He assured that there are enough people in the reserve of the Artsakh armed forces to replenish the army, which will fulfill its combat tasks.

"The Artsakh issue has not been resolved yet, and negotiations are not taking place. I am more than confident that at least the former borders of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region will be restored. Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan but will exist as a subject through political means. If Azerbaijan attempts to encroach on Artsakh again, we will respond appropriately," the Security Council Secretary emphasized.

Balasanyan noted that all wars have a beginning and an end, but Azerbaijan has not understood and does not understand that the Artsakh issue can never be resolved through military means. According to him, the side representing Artsakh is always ready to discuss any issues at the negotiating table; however, they will not be surrendering any territories because they have no territories subject to trade.