Video: The Core Issue is the Clarification of Artsakh's Status - Pashinyan Meets with Arayik Harutyunyan

The Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, at the government headquarters. This was the first official meeting after the snap parliamentary elections in Armenia and Pashinyan's working visit to the Russian Federation on July 7.

Nikol Pashinyan said, “Dear Mr. President, I welcome you to the government. This is our first official meeting following the snap parliamentary elections, and it is very important that we outline our upcoming actions. We have traversed a very difficult path together, referring to the Republics of Artsakh and Armenia and our peoples. During these challenging times, the burden and honor of guiding our people rests upon our shoulders, and we are obliged to carry out our mission with dignity.”

“Of course, both you and I have discussed quite a bit about the circumstances surrounding the events during the pre-election period and before. There are still circumstances that we will certainly have the opportunity to address. I consider it very important to highlight that during the pre-election period, I clearly stated the need for a thorough investigation into all aspects of the 44-day war, and it is crucial that we can formulate a format and organize the work in a way that it will be credible, as there are answers to very important questions that need to be addressed.”

“However, I also consider it essential to note that after the 44-day war, we have made quite serious efforts together to restore normal life in Artsakh. During this time, we have probably had dozens of working meetings, some of which have been covered by the media while others have not. Frankly, I am quite satisfied with the level of our cooperation, and the decisions that have been implemented so far are considerably effective.”

I hope our compatriots in Artsakh feel the effectiveness of those decisions, but of course, there are strategic projects to discuss moving forward, specifically in the socio-economic sector. The core issue on our agenda continues to be the clarification of Artsakh's status. We must note that since November 9, the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have issued a statement effectively recording that agenda as a working one. Thus, we also need to clarify our actions within this new situation and attempt to adopt a specific strategy and outline pathways to achieve our goals.

Once again, I welcome you and am confident that our discussions today will give new impetus to the programs that are already being implemented, and we will formulate upcoming projects.”

Arayik Harutyunyan replied, “Dear Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to thank you for the reception. I also wish you success in obtaining the trust of the people following the election results and continuing to lead the Government of the Republic of Armenia. I am convinced that the programs we have discussed will contribute to the socio-economic development of Artsakh. We must rally the Armenian people around Artsakh. Over the years and decades, the Armenian nation has always stood by Artsakh, always supported it, but today more than ever, great unity is essential, and we will succeed in that.”

“I want to firmly state that today socio-economic issues are being addressed, and the social programs implemented by the Armenian government have undoubtedly helped to pull Artsakh out of a state of shock. Today, our social policy allows us to confidently assert that there is no family that has not been under the government’s attention, and this is solely due to the funds allocated by the Armenian government. Additionally, the funds collected by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund have already begun to be directed towards housing construction and infrastructure development. Today, Artsakh is one large construction site. We need to continue the programs, and first and foremost, housing construction, which is our main issue. The problem of housing in Artsakh is so severe that even constructing one house a day is not sufficient. We want to present this program to our people, so that every Armenian can participate in housing construction programs in the coming years.”

“But of course, the most critical issue for Artsakh remains security and status. Fortunately, the principles regarding the status have not changed on the agenda as established before the war, according to the OSCE Minsk Group. We must strive to keep that on the agenda. Your announcements and ours regarding the independence path of Artsakh being non-negotiable indicate that we must continue our fight. As for security, I want to assure you that the situation is jointly monitored by the Defense Army and peacekeeping forces. The geography is indeed complex, but fortunately, there have been no serious concerns. Harvesting is currently underway without any issues or obstacles. Restoration works on the infrastructure are also ongoing along the current contact line.

We have projects to discuss together to restore what we have lost, which requires significant and prolonged efforts. Dear Mr. Prime Minister, I want to wish you again success in the great responsibility you have undertaken during a very challenging period, to carry it out with dignity.”