Former Presidents and Generals of Artsakh Forming New Political Force

The newspaper "Hraparak" reports that on January 29, during the 17th anniversary gathering of the ruling "Free Homeland" party in Artsakh, the party's founder and former President Arayik Harutyunyan, who had suspended his membership after the war, told his associates that those who joined the party for him are now free, as he has no political plans and will withdraw from politics after constitutional changes.

This announcement has been met with mixed reactions in the political arena. Many remember that after the war, when calls for his resignation intensified, Harutyunyan made a public promise to step down while simultaneously forming broad cooperation with decisions coordinated with the Security Council, namely with Vitaly Balasanyan. However, as soon as his position solidified, he forgot about that promise.

Now, with pressure mounting around him again, Prime Minister Pashinyan wants to displace him, while a process of constitutional changes is underway. According to Artsakh sources, Harutyunyan's recent statement aims to buy time.

Meanwhile, there are reports that former Presidents of Artsakh and military generals are forming a new political force to present a candidacy for the upcoming snap elections. The individuals involved include Bako Sahakyan, Arkadi Ghukasian, Levon Mnatsakanyan, Arshavir Gharamyan, and others. According to our sources, they will not be appearing publicly.

Political consultations have already begun.

For more detailed information, see today's issue of the newspaper.