Peacekeeping Forces Must Have an Indefinite Presence: Arayik Harutyunyan

The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, met on April 12 in Martakert with the heads of local administrations, community leaders, and active representatives of the population. This was reported by the Office of the Artsakh President.

The discussions focused on the latest geopolitical developments and the military-political situation in Artsakh against this backdrop, as well as safety and socio-economic issues.

In his speech, the President referred to the recent provocative actions of the adversary in the Parukh community of the Askeran region and the Karaglukh heights, noting that negotiations are ongoing with the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces stationed in Artsakh regarding their withdrawal.

At the same time, Arayik Harutyunyan emphasized that ensuring a relative and fragile peace in the conflict zone is possible thanks to the Russian peacekeeping forces, and the presence of these forces must be guaranteed and indefinite, with the corresponding increase in military personnel and equipment.

The President reaffirmed the commitment of the Artsakh authorities to fight for the independence and state-building of the Republic of Artsakh based on the people's right to self-determination, and emphasized that alongside the guarantees and activities of the Russian peacekeeping forces, the Government will continuously work to improve its own security provision mechanisms and the effectiveness of the civil defense system.

He also touched upon issues of ensuring energy and food security, stating that work is already underway to develop solar energy, small hydropower plants, and rational use of forest and other natural resources and land.

According to Arayik Harutyunyan, as per the outlined program, works will be carried out to improve intercommunity and intra-community roads.

Following the meeting, President Harutyunyan visited the Church of St. John the Baptist in Martakert, accompanied by the spiritual leader Father Hovhannes Khachaturyan, where he participated in a unified prayer held in the churches of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.