If I am a traitor, then we are all traitors here. Beglaryan clarifies what happened during the rally

The Prime Minister of Artsakh, Artak Beglaryan, made a post on his Facebook page where he explained what happened during the rally held in Stepanakert on June 21.

He particularly noted: "Since many have asked questions about this topic and some have believed the false news, I would like to clarify what occurred at the June 21 rally between myself and the participants. When I arrived at the rally, I called for calm through a loudspeaker so that we could discuss their demands. Afterwards, I tried several times to speak again through the loudspeaker, but I was interrupted by shouts of 'traitor'. Accepting this logically directed at me, I literally said, 'If I am a traitor, then we are all traitors here,' implying that I am one of them and none of us are 'traitors.' Following that, some began to spread that I told the people 'you are traitors,' whereas the substantive difference between that claim and what I said is enormous. Of course, some participants of the rally later approached me and clarified that the shouts were not directed at me, acknowledging the misunderstanding.

Regardless of that misunderstanding, my communication with the rally participants turned out to be constructive overall. In light of current challenges and uncertainties, as a public figure and citizen, I expect reasonableness and readiness for dialogue from the participants of the rally. As always, I am fully prepared to play my constructive role in facilitating dialogue and the civilized resolution of issues."