Statement by Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan

The behavior and stance of the current authorities of the Republic of Armenia, which unconditionally submit to Azerbaijan's demands on crucial issues for the people of Artsakh, are unacceptable. Over the past few years, there have been numerous incomprehensible actions by the Armenian authorities that put the statehood of Artsakh in question. We have tried to warn of the disastrous consequences of such behavior through the available channels. Sadly, we note that our warnings have not had a sobering effect.

Due to numerous failures, we now find ourselves facing collapsed negotiations, a disastrous war, and now the pressure to fulfill all the demands and whims of the adversary. For a long time, we have strived to remain faithful to the tradition established among the political elites of the two Armenian republics that not interfering in each other's internal affairs is a manifestation of political correctness.

However, what was uttered today by the current Prime Minister of Armenia has undermined the foundations of Armenian statehood, particularly violating the obligation to be the defender of the rights of all Armenians. Thanks to the centuries-long struggle of our ancestors and the national-liberation struggle of Artsakh built on that foundation, a new quality of national dignity has arisen, which no one has the right to undermine, regardless of their position and standing.

No one has the moral right to decide the future of us and our children. Artsakh has not accepted and will not accept the approaches presented today by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, and just as it has struggled in the past, it will continue to fight by all possible means for the right to live with dignity in its homeland.

We believe that just as in previous years, today the entire Armenian nation will stand by the people of Artsakh.

Arkadi Ghukasyan, Second President of the Republic of Artsakh
Bako Sahakyan, Third President of the Republic of Artsakh
May 22, 2023, Stepanakert