Azerbaijan Actually in a Very Difficult Situation: What is Happening in Artsakh According to Nairi Hohikyan

Journalist Nairi Hohikyan made a post on his Facebook page: “Resignations in Artsakh, a new commander of peacekeepers, Azerbaijanis on the Akna road: what is happening?”

On the morning of August 31, Araik Harutyunyan announced his resignation from the presidency of Artsakh, promising to officially inform about it on September 1. The acting president dismissed Minister of State Gurgen Nersisyan and appointed Security Council Secretary Samvel Shahramanyan in his place. On the same day, Russia recalled the commander of the Russian peacekeeping forces for four months, Lentsov, and sent Major General Kulakov to Artsakh instead.

If Araik Harutyunyan had resigned a few months ago, I would have expressed concern, considering the constitutional issues. However, the recent legislative changes in Artsakh and Articles 168 and 168.1 of the Constitution allow the president to be elected by a vote of the MPs, thus maintaining the governance system of Artsakh.

Many people are concerned that Samvel Babayan could become the president of Artsakh instead of Araik Harutyunyan. I must say that this is prohibited by the Constitution, as Babayan has not lived permanently in Artsakh for the past ten years, which is a requirement of Article 48 of the Artsakh Constitution.

If Araik Harutyunyan actually resigns on September 1, the governing powers will soon pass to the Chairman of the National Assembly Davit Ishkhanian and Minister of State Samvel Shahramanyan. Both of them are experienced and principled individuals. In any case, they will not be subjected to pressure from Nikol Pashinyan, prioritizing the security of Artsakh.

As for the new commander of the Russian peacekeepers, Major General Kulakov lacks extensive combat experience but is considered a tough commander in Russia. We will see. His first test will be today when he has to restrain several dozen Azerbaijanis gathered on the Akna road.

Several dozen Azerbaijanis have gathered near the Akna road checkpoint, demanding to be allowed to enter Askeran. The Russian peacekeepers are preventing this and likewise, there are many Artsakh residents near the intersection of Khankendi road who have come together to prevent possible provocations from the enemy.

In reality, Azerbaijan has found itself in a very difficult situation, as it tried to kneel the residents of Artsakh with a blockade but found itself in a trap and is now thinking about how to save face. The assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Hajiev, stated that despite the racism, they are ready to open the Lachin corridor in the coming days, despite having sent 40 tons of expired poisonous goods.”