Araik Harutyunyan Signs New Decree

President Araik Harutyunyan has signed a decree regarding a number of measures being implemented in the territory of the Artsakh Republic under the conditions of the declared state of emergency.

According to the decree, in connection with the situation created as a result of the blockade of the Stepanakert-Goris highway by Azerbaijan on December 12, 2022, it has been decided to ensure the normal functioning of the population of the Artsakh Republic and to prevent potential threats by relying on the law on the "Legal Regime of Martial Law":

• To transfer state and local self-government bodies, as well as facilities of special significance for the defense, livelihood, and economy of the state, to a martial law working regime.
• If necessary, to restrict the right to free movement in the territory of the Artsakh Republic, as well as to establish a special regime for leaving the specified territory.
• To implement measures ensuring the livelihood of the population, protecting specially protected facilities and means of transportation, as well as protecting facilities that pose greater risks to the life and health of the population and the environment.
• To restrict the right to freedom of assembly, prohibiting strikes and other measures that cause the cessation or suspension of organizational activities, and if necessary, to suspend the activities of organizations engaged in propaganda or other activities directed against the defense and security of the Artsakh Republic under the law.
• To create an operational headquarters to carry out the measures provided by this decree and secure the temporary restrictions on the rights and freedoms.
• To appoint Ruben Vardanyan, the State Minister of the Artsakh Republic, as the head of the operational headquarters.
• To establish that the instructions of the head of the headquarters arising from this decree are mandatory for state and local self-government bodies, as well as for physical and legal persons.
• To instruct the Government of the Artsakh Republic to establish special procedures for the sale, purchase, and circulation of foodstuffs, medications, and essential goods in a short timeframe after this decree comes into effect.