To Hold Elections, There Must at Least Be Internal Agreement: Babayan

Discussions about holding nationwide elections in Artsakh periodically resurface, and although such discussions are ongoing now, no final decision has been made yet. This was stated by former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh David Babayan in an interview with Factinfo, commenting on the recent reports about new elections in Artsakh over the past two days.

"We need to take many factors into account, unfortunately including the geopolitical situation. Elections are such an event that, whether we want it or not, they will eventually take place; there cannot be a scenario where elections are completely absent. We need to see when it is appropriate and what situation is forming. For this, there must at least be internal agreement, considering any possible external developments," he noted.

According to Babayan, decisions about holding elections should be made exclusively in the interest of the state and the people. Furthermore, elections will provide a clearer picture of the reality.

While discussing the heightened conversations about new elections in the context of the information leak regarding the potential dismissal of Artsakh’s Prime Minister Ruben Vardanyan, Babayan emphasized that he does not wish to comment on issues related to any individual. However, he recorded that in any case, exploiting national aspirations and sentiments is unacceptable.

"One thing I want to make clear, and I believe the people should also understand, is that any development characteristic of a democratic system is acceptable; however, it is immoral to exploit national aspirations and sentiments, regardless of who does it," concluded the former foreign minister.