Ruben Vardanyan is one of my closest friends: Araik Harutyunyan's statement

The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan, chaired a government meeting on February 23. Among other issues, he addressed the matter of dismissing Ruben Vardanyan from his position as the State Minister of Artsakh.

His statement is presented below:

“Dear compatriots,

Recently, the most discussed topic regarding Artsakh has been my relationship with Ruben Vardanyan, his position as State Minister, and rumors about his dismissal. Once again, we have witnessed that there are people and forces among us who are capable of undermining their own country, trampling on the interests of our people in order to satisfy their political ambitions and display personal hatred and animosity towards others. In this so-called struggle, such people and forces have the advantage that they can fulfill their desires at the expense of the state and our people, while we, referring to state bodies and officials, do not have the moral or legal opportunity to undertake such steps. Many can exhibit such behavior, but not Ruben Vardanyan.

Ruben Vardanyan is one of my closest friends, one of the few who decided to move to Artsakh and live here at the most difficult and critical time for our people. The news of his potential dismissal was shocking to me, and after personally hearing about this decision from Ruben Vardanyan, I immediately suggested he get involved in the state system in the capacity of State Minister. Knowing Ruben Vardanyan, I was confident that he would not hesitate for a moment in accepting my offer of such responsibility. Unfortunately, just days after his appointment, the blockade of Artsakh followed, which nearly neutralized all the programs that were to be implemented by him and the government.

Our people have stubbornly united and chosen to overcome the difficulties and trials that we face with dignity and an open front. I want to publicly state that this struggle was also for the significant value represented by Ruben Vardanyan. To avoid any deliberate distortion or false interpretations of my words, I must emphasize that from the moment we started our struggle, Ruben Vardanyan embodied Artsakh and each and every one of us, and it is not typical of the people of Artsakh to betray themselves or their friends.

During this entire period, Ruben Vardanyan and I have been together, following the events and developments in Artsakh as well as in the outside world on a daily basis, constantly exchanging thoughts on solutions to the created situation. I am thankful to Mr. Vardanyan for always striving to share responsibility with me to the fullest extent in both our friendship and professional relations, instead of attempting to burden me with it by referring to constitutional norms. At the same time, he was also aware and understood the extent of my personal responsibility regarding the situation in Artsakh and all subsequent issues.

I have consistently reviewed, assessed, and analyzed all issues that existed and further developed after the blockade of Artsakh, followed the latest geopolitical developments around Artsakh and the South Caucasus, conducted various consultations, and informed Ruben Vardanyan about them. While each of us may have a unique approach regarding our future steps and road construction, however, Ruben Vardanyan has approached my positions with understanding, accepting that I, in my official capacity, am most informed about the situation and that comprehensive and in-depth evaluations of information can be most fully given by me.

Understanding the responsibility towards Artsakh and our people, and rather than ensuring that we are prepared to face the upcoming challenges and develop Artsakh, to maintain the resilience of all of us and the state in every respect without opening parentheses, I have made the decision to relieve Ruben Vardanyan of his duties as State Minister. Since four months ago I personally appointed Mr. Vardanyan to the position of State Minister, I must emphasize that the situations then and now differ significantly both externally and internally. Nevertheless, I highly appreciate Mr. Vardanyan's efforts during this time both in raising international awareness about Artsakh and in addressing numerous internal issues during the blockade.

For several days, this topic has been circulating in the press with various interpretations. Some expressed concern for Ruben Vardanyan, while others attempted to portray this decision as a demoralization of the spirit of struggle, and there are even those claiming that this is in execution of Azerbaijan's directives. While not wanting to respond to the authors of such characterizations, refraining from giving them assessments and appraisals, I will simply say that no one can feel greater pain from this decision than I do. I would also like to add that I do not discuss or coordinate my actions and decisions with anyone except the people of Artsakh and state bodies. I appointed Ruben Vardanyan as State Minister by my decision and initiated the proposal, which gained approval from the people of Artsakh; I realized the possibility and probability of the emergence of problems in Azerbaijan and elsewhere at the time of making such a decision, but no one interfered with me, nor could anyone interfere with making such a decision.

As for our people’s struggle, it did not begin yesterday. In this regard, our struggle cannot be personalized. Our struggle has a history of centuries, and it has never been contingent on me, Ruben Vardanyan, or anyone else. That struggle exists and will continue to exist, independent of us. Our people’s struggle is unyielding.

I am confident that Ruben Vardanyan will remain in Artsakh and multiply his efforts directed toward the development of Artsakh with his active civic engagement. Our personal relations remain at a high level, and I greatly value the active cooperation of state bodies and officials with Mr. Vardanyan and the organizations he leads, as he is a devoted patriot and understands the significance of Artsakh for the entire Armenian people.

Regarding speculation about discrepancies between Ruben Vardanyan and me regarding foreign policy, I will note that our strategic goal is the Armenian, independent, and secure future of Artsakh, and both of us have the same understanding concerning the vital interests and red lines of the Artsakh people. Nevertheless, we have certain tactical differences in our short-term approaches, which stem from our differing perceptions of specific factors, including the unpredictably unstable conditions of the world and the region, methods for protecting red lines, the effectiveness of using Armenian resources and levers, and the influence of geopolitical actors' interests and levers.

I would also like to emphasize that we regularly hold discussions and debates on these issues, including within the framework of the Security Council. One thing is clear to me: there is no official in Artsakh who has any deviation from our strategic goals and sees Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan. Therefore, speculations about integration with Azerbaijan, cessation of struggle, and other issues are absolutely unacceptable; they are treacherous blows to the very people of Artsakh. I am confident that regardless of those in power, the people of Artsakh will not abandon their struggle for their rights and dignity on their own land. Individuals are transient, while the struggle and national interests of the Armenian people (including those in the Artsakh part) are eternal. We are here to ensure the continuity of that struggle and the protection of national interests during the period entrusted to us. Anyone who deviates from that path will incur state and popular punishment for state and national treachery. As for tactical issues, time is the ultimate judge of the debate.

On the other hand, it should be understood that it is very easy for people without official responsibility and who see only the surface of the iceberg to criticize and offer seemingly ‘wise’ advice. In reality, the situation is much more complex, and it is necessary to carefully and consistently work to steer our wounded vessel out of the storms towards the lighthouse. In this regard, as important as open and sincere dialogue with the public is, everyone should realize that not everything can be presented publicly, as we are not only listening to ourselves but also to the adversary, who considers every fact and circumstance in efforts to weaken us further.

I would also like to inform you that I have proposed the Chief Prosecutor Gurgen Nersisyan to assume the responsibilities of the State Minister. I am pleased that he is ready to take on that difficult responsibility in this challenging situation. He will make a statement regarding the final decision in the near future. I have chosen Mr. Nersisyan's candidacy considering his professional and human qualities, the professionalism and integrity he has shown in his work, and his commitment to the state. Due to the nature of the work, many of the significant activities conducted by Mr. Nersisyan for Artsakh have not been publicly acknowledged; very few people are aware of these, and I am confident that one day the public will learn about and become informed about the extent of work carried out by the Prosecutor's Office under Gurgen Nersisyan's leadership over the past two years.

The new State Minister will encompass all executive bodies in their coordination, with the exception of law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Just like in Mr. Vardanyan's case, Mr. Nersisyan will also receive extensive powers and freedom in making decisions in his field of coordination, including personnel issues. Naturally, as has been the case until now, important decisions will be made based on collegial discussions among the Security Council and government, ensuring, as much as possible, public inclusiveness in that process.

How to continue the struggle and what role does each citizen of Artsakh play? This is the last but most vital question. Each of us has a significant role in shaping a better future for Artsakh, and it is extremely unacceptable and dangerous to adopt a mindset of helplessness and indifference propagated by the adversary. The main factor affecting the future of Artsakh remains the will and conduct of the Artsakh people, against which the Azerbaijani side is working as effectively as possible, applying a criminal and wide-ranging toolkit of physical and psychological pressures.

Each citizen has at least two clear tasks for the future of Artsakh: to live in Artsakh and to carry out diligent, initiative-driven, and continually improving work in their respective positions—from soldier to teacher, from farmer to public servant. No matter how difficult the struggle may seem, solutions exist, and escaping from it is an escape from one's own values and responsibilities. The state, more than ever, will stand by every citizen with all possible means, sharing the honorable burden of struggle and responsibility.

Therefore, we continue our fight for a Armenian, independent, and secure Artsakh—resolutely living and working passionately in Artsakh.”