Araik Harutyunyan on the Duration of Russian Peacekeepers' Presence in Artsakh

The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan, participated in the regular session of the National Assembly on December 23, during which the draft law on the "State Budget of the Republic of Artsakh for 2022" was discussed in the second reading.

In his concluding remarks, President Harutyunyan referred to the work carried out in 2021, noting that the relative stability maintained thanks to the Defense Army and the Russian peacekeeping contingent has allowed for the resolution of several vital issues and the initiation of programs aimed at ensuring progress.

Harutyunyan also spoke about the mid-term expenditure programs for 2022-2025. According to the President, the most crucial issue for Artsakh has been and remains demographics, and the objective of all upcoming programs over the next few years will be to improve the demographic situation. To this end, various social and economic programs have been launched and are being planned.

The President touched on housing construction programs that have started and those planned for the future, emphasizing that his electoral pledge of "an individual apartment for each family" remains in effect. He stressed that after meeting the housing needs of the main beneficiary groups in the coming years, the scope of housing programs will be expanded to fully implement this pre-election promise.

President Harutyunyan also highlighted several social programs, particularly noting that in the coming years, the amounts for child benefits and pensions will be brought to the level of the minimum consumption basket.

The President addressed foreign policy and security issues, stating, "I believe that the presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh should be guaranteed and indefinite until the need for it is eliminated. In this matter, the needs and opinions of the people of Artsakh should be the key factors, as we are the primary stakeholders in the peacekeeping mission."

Harutyunyan noted that ensuring appropriate security involves another crucial direction: the consistent development of the capabilities and strengths of the Defense Army, police, and national security service, taking into account the existing challenges and peculiarities of the situation.

In the foreign policy arena, the struggle for the unconditional recognition of the right to self-determination and the return of occupied territories will continue. "We are in favor of a peaceful settlement of the conflict, where the international recognition of the independence of Artsakh based on the right to self-determination is our main and uncompromising goal, which will pave the way for the realization of the final goals of the Artsakh movement," said Araik Harutyunyan.

The law on the "State Budget of the Republic of Artsakh for 2022" was adopted with 18 votes in favor and 11 against.