The Surrendering Government Is Not Initiating the Construction of the Vardenis-Martakert Highway: Arayik Harutyunyan

Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Artsakh and advisor to the President Arayik Harutyunyan has responded on his Facebook page to former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army Samvel Babayan.

“Samvel Babayan stated in an interview with Radio Azatutyun yesterday that in 2017, former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan negotiated concessions with the Artsakh authorities. I would like to inform Mr. Babayan and our public that President Sargsyan was always open to discussions with the Artsakh authorities during his tenure, and all issues were addressed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and dialogue.

Next, the mentioned well-known meeting—or rather meetings—did not take place in 2017, but rather in April and July of 2016, where we reached a common understanding; namely, there can be no backtracking from the current factual status of Artsakh in the negotiation agenda, and the security of the population of Artsakh must be absolutely guaranteed in the final resolution of the conflict.

Additionally, the so-called 'surrendering' government is not initiating the construction of the Vardenis-Martakert highway, is not implementing a repatriation program, is not engaged in territorial equal development policies financed by investments and state resources, and ultimately, is not strengthening the frontline and the army.

Therefore, I urge everyone to refrain from such manipulations. Instead, each of us should take concrete steps towards the long-term defense and development of our homeland according to our capabilities,” wrote Arayik Harutyunyan.