Artsakh Must Receive Status, Direct Connection with Armenia through Lachin Corridor is Necessary, Says President

On September 9, a special session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh was convened, during which Samvel Shahramanyan was elected as the President of the Republic of Artsakh. This was reported by the press service of the National Assembly of Artsakh. During the session, leaders of factions that nominated candidates addressed the assembly.

In his speech, Shahramanyan emphasized the importance of the presidential institution in facing current challenges and highlighted the qualities required of the country's leader, including a sober assessment of reality and avoidance of illusions.

Among the programmatic provisions, the candidate singled out the strengthening of statehood, establishment of internal stability, realization of the right to self-determination of Artsakh, improvement of the socio-economic situation of the people, and establishment of legality and order.

Shahramanyan also addressed regional challenges, Azerbaijan's policies, and Artsakh-Armenia relations. “Nagorno-Karabakh must receive a status, and we must maintain a direct connection with Armenia through the Lachin corridor. Other routes can be activated, but they should not replace the corridor. Negotiations must take place, and the format can be either multilateral or bilateral with the guarantee of a third party, with Stepanakert being a subject of the negotiations,” he stated.

It is noteworthy that Samvel Shahramanyan was elected President of the Republic of Artsakh. A total of 23 parliamentarians participated in the secret ballot, with 22 voting in favor and 1 against.