«The leadership of Armenia must change; after that, everything will be in its place» - Serzh Sargsyan

Thousands of citizens gathered in Yerevan's Freedom Square for a rally organized by the opposition on the occasion of the Declaration of Independence of Artsakh. Armenia's third president, Serzh Sargsyan, was also present in Freedom Square. He arrived accompanied by Tarpon Margaryan, a member of the National Assembly from the 'I Have Honor' faction, and the spokesperson for the Republican Party, Eduard Sharmazanov. His conversation with journalists was brief; he stated that he came to participate in the rally and had already conveyed what he needed to say in his message.

Is it possible to make a breakthrough in the fight for Artsakh at this stage? Serzh Sargsyan unequivocally responded, “Of course it is possible.” He is confident that it is possible to restore both diplomatic and military resources' potential that has been squandered, but first, the current authorities must be removed.

“The leadership of Armenia must change; after that, everything will be in its place,” emphasized the third president of Armenia.

When asked whether he would participate in the formation of the Armenian government afterward, he stated he would not take part in the formation but would participate only in the removal of the current authorities.

The former president disagreed with the assertion that the role of Artsakh as a factor has diminished following recent events. “Artsakh has always been a factor, and depending on the moods present there, the approaches of the leaders, that factor has either increased significantly or diminished. I think the current situation is such that yes, the Artsakh factor is a crucial circumstance,” said Serzh Sargsyan.

Regarding the question of whether the resignation of Araik Harutyunyan could bring a new crisis for Artsakh, Serzh Sargsyan noted that the Constitution of the Republic of Artsakh allows for the election of a new president.

He also commented on the statement by Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, that bold solutions are needed from Artsakh. “Each of us interprets any word in our own way. I am very pleased that Charles Michel is again expecting bravery from Artsakh. The people of Artsakh will not disappoint him. But perhaps he calls other solutions bold; we do not consider them as such,” said the third president of Armenia.