Araik Harutyunyan Invited to Event but Preferred to Visit 'Yerablur': Spokesperson

The three factions of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh—'Justice,' 'Armenian Revolutionary Federation,' and 'Democratic Party of Artsakh'—issued a statement today, emphasizing that the ceremonial requirements were disregarded during the Independence Day events of the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, thereby calling into question the subjectivity of the Republic of Artsakh.

In this regard, 'Artsakhpress' posed questions to the spokesperson for the President of Artsakh, Lusine Avanesyan, which we present below:

- Ms. Avanesyan, today the three factions of the National Assembly issued a statement stating that the authorities of Artsakh were not properly represented at the Independence Day events of Armenia. Was the President of Artsakh not invited?

- The President of the Republic of Artsakh was invited by the Government of Armenia to all the Independence Day celebrations on September 21; however, he preferred to visit only the Yerablur military pantheon. Notably, the President was accompanied by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Artsakh, Mr. Arthur Tovmasyan, to Yerablur. The decision not to participate in the other events was previously agreed upon at a protocol level.

- The statement also mentions that the non-participation in the festive events significantly harms the reputation of the Republic of Artsakh, which aims for international recognition, and also sends negative signals to international organizations involved in the resolution process. Do you agree with this view?

- I do not wish to give any assessment. I believe that the recognition of the Republic of Artsakh requires more serious work. In terms of restoring negotiations in the OSCE Minsk Group format and strengthening international relations, there should be a unification of the efforts of all political forces in Armenia.