We Demand Public Apology from Alen Simonian: Samvel Shahramanyan

The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, strongly condemns the statements made by the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonian, from the parliamentary podium and during a press briefing yesterday. These statements were related to the struggle of the people of Artsakh, the defense of the homeland, and the actions of the authorities in Artsakh, which have disturbed the restless souls of the forcibly displaced people of Artsakh.

This was announced in a statement released by the Artsakh Information Headquarters. Through this statement, Alen Simonian attempted to belittle the heroic struggle of the people of Artsakh during more than nine months of siege and the subsequent large-scale military operations.

Samvel Shahramanyan emphasizes once again that the people of Artsakh have done everything in their power to continue living in their historical homeland. However, the fight is not only on the battlefield but also in political and diplomatic arenas, where Alen Simonian is also at the forefront. He has changed his opinions and positions on issues of utmost importance to Artsakh and Armenia at various times, depending on political and other considerations.

The authorities of Artsakh have spared no effort to ensure that the servicemen who defended their homeland do not feel alone and can safely withdraw from their positions or encirclements after the ceasefire in military operations.

The President of the Republic of Artsakh demands that the President of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonian, publicly apologize to the displaced people of Artsakh and refrain from any assessment that subjects the struggle of the people of Artsakh and the defense of the homeland to bargaining. At the same time, he requests Simonian to clarify his statement regarding who was calling from Artsakh and asking to open the so-called border.

Considering the widespread negative reaction to Alen Simonian's statements among the people of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan urges that instead of making divisive and dangerous statements, the podium of the National Assembly of Armenia should be used to address the existential problems of the Armenian community in Artsakh, channeling all energy and efforts towards revising the failed housing provision program offered to the sisters and brothers of Artsakh and creating sufficient conditions for them to remain in the Motherland.