Ruben Vardanyan Removed from the Position of State Minister

On February 23, a government session was held under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan. The country's leader presented the military-political and socio-economic situation created in the Republic as a result of Azerbaijan's blockade of Artsakh, as well as the measures being taken by the authorities to address the emerging problems.

During the government session, President Harutyunyan also announced the decree freeing Ruben Vardanyan from the position of State Minister. He highly appreciated Vardanyan’s efforts both in raising international awareness about Artsakh and in addressing many internal issues during the blockade.

“Throughout all this time, Ruben Vardanyan and I have been together, following daily the events and developments both in Artsakh and in the outside world, constantly exchanging ideas about solutions to the created situation. I am grateful to Mr. Vardanyan for his constant aspiration to share responsibility with me to the maximum extent in both friendly and professional relations, rather than attempting to burden me with it by referring to constitutional norms. On the other hand, he was also aware and understood the extent and volume of my personal responsibility towards the situation created in Artsakh and all subsequent issues,” emphasized the country's leader.

Araik Harutyunyan noted that he has proposed to assign the duties of State Minister to the Republic's chief prosecutor, Gurgen Nersisyan, considering his professional and human qualities, demonstrated professionalism, fairness, principled stance, and state-mindedness.