Artsakh Enters the Final Stage of Resistance: Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan

Artsakh is entering the final stage of resistance. Seeing that our compatriots in Artsakh are overcoming the trial of blockade, and moreover, that this blockade is now harming him more than anyone, Aliyev and his agents with "yan" surnames have begun yet another dirty game against Artsakh.

They have gathered a group of ragtag individuals, appointed a "Prigozhin" of Chinese quality over them, labeled them as a militia, and are trying to terrorize the people of Artsakh with them. This was stated by political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan on his Facebook page.

“In addition, there are attacks on state structures to erase the last glimmers of hope for recovery in people's minds. What does Aliyev gain from this so-called militia operation? a) The opportunity to divide our compatriots in Artsakh, thereby weakening them further; b) The opportunity to prove certain things to the world by sowing criminal elements within the Armenian population of Artsakh; c) Discrediting the Artsakh Defense Army, equating a regular (also internationally recognized) army with illegal armed groups; d) Strengthening the position of his agents in Artsakh through terror, paving the way for bringing them to power in the future; e) The opportunity to dismantle the state institutions of Artsakh; f) The chance to instill disappointment, fear, and defeatist moods among Artsakh Armenians; and more.

What does the president of Artsakh gain from this cheap provocation against his own country and people? The answer is simple: an illusion of power and false hopes that Aliyev will forgive him in the future.

The interests and expectations of the adversary are clear. I believe that anyone who understands what is happening also knows what needs to be done. The provocateurs have clearly identified their main targets. Moreover, their selection is correct. If these "targets" do not draw appropriate conclusions (by the way, not only from this development), then the day will not be far when the "Prigozhins" and collaborators will hand them over to Aliyev as "war criminals." The people will be told that they were thieves, former officials, and so on... That day will mark the end of Artsakh.

Our compatriots in Artsakh must understand well what is actually happening during these days in Artsakh. They are trying to steal your small but very important victory from you. You have already overcome the blockade. It just takes some time to solidify that reality. Once again, I reiterate, the damage to Aliyev from this blockade is today much greater than the terrible difficulties you endure every day.

Do not allow the collaborators and "Prigozhins" to undermine your hardships and losses. The resistance must continue. Let us stand firm for the country and state institutions. Do not allow illegal and criminal elements to form in Artsakh. They are malignant tumors leading to destruction. Believe only in the idea that has guided you over the past decades. Believe in the prosperous future of Artsakh and fight only for that future. Godspeed,” he wrote.