Photo Taken Under Unclear Circumstances: Artsakh Security Council Office Issues Clarification

In recent days, a photograph of Vitaly Balasanyan, the Secretary of the Security Council of Artsakh, has been circulated on various social media platforms and news resources, accompanied by false reports claiming that "Vitaly Balasanyan is overseeing the transfer of Berdzor."

In response to this, the office of the Security Council of Artsakh stated that the Secretary of the Security Council frequently visits various locations within the Republic as part of his official duties, addressing security issues and performing official functions.

“This photograph was taken by an unknown person under unclear circumstances, during one of Vitaly Balasanyan's work visits to a base of Russian peacekeepers, located in the area adjacent to the city of Shushi on the Stepanakert-Goris interstate highway, where he was specifically dealing with security issues related to the launch of a new route connecting the Republic of Artsakh to the Republic of Armenia.

After analyzing the arbitrary 'interpretations' of this photograph circulating on the internet, we conclude that there is an organized campaign against Vitaly Balasanyan, aimed at trying to discredit the good name of a figure who has undeniably contributed to the strengthening of the defense and statehood of the Republic of Artsakh.

In this regard, we declare that Vitaly Balasanyan has never engaged in activities contrary to the interests of the Armenian people throughout his career. Since taking office as Secretary of the Security Council on December 5, 2020, he has dedicated himself to the mission of restoring the security positions of the Republic of Artsakh, significantly impacted by the dire situation, the results of which we can all feel in our daily lives,” the statement reads.

The Artsakh Security Council strongly urges everyone to cease the dishonorable attempts to generate and circulate irresponsible rumors, while also calling upon our compatriots to reject slander.

“At the same time, we assure you that the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh are doing everything possible to ensure a proper security environment in the Republic,” the statement concludes.