We Will Resort to More Severe Actions: Spokesperson for the President of Artsakh

Regarding the "severe measures" mentioned by President Harutyunyan in his address on July 17, it is premature to open parentheses, stated Lusine Avanesyan, the spokesperson for the President of Artsakh, in an interview with Aravot.am.

On July 17, prior to joining the sit-in protesters in Renaissance Square, President Arayik Harutyunyan conveyed a message to the people of Artsakh, stating that if the situation of the people of Artsakh does not return to a stable and normal state within a week through international intervention, then "we will resort to more severe actions both in Artsakh and outside of it".

When asked what severe actions he was referring to and requested further details, Avanesyan refrained from elaborating, explaining that the stated deadline has not yet expired and it is too early to reveal specifics.

It is noteworthy that Arayik Harutyunyan's decision to join the sit-in was met with mixed reactions, with many criticisms suggesting that this made him resemble a desperate citizen and effectively rendered the state apparatus of Artsakh inactive as a result of this action.

According to the president's spokesperson, Harutyunyan indicated in his address on July 17 that the sit-in "will not significantly affect the functioning of the state governance system, and all bodies and officials will continue to fulfill their duties under my leadership".

"Today, all branches of government in the Republic of Artsakh continue to work, sometimes being compelled to make and implement urgent decisions. The deepening crisis resulting from Azerbaijan's criminal actions is felt in all sectors, necessitating new approaches from the responsible parties to address everyday issues and achieve both short-term and long-term goals. The president's participation in the sit-in is one of the ways to draw the international community's attention to the issues of Artsakh and cannot disrupt the work of the state apparatus. Arayik Harutyunyan is in Stepanakert. The president is in uninterrupted contact with all state structures and local authorities, continuing to fulfill their duties to address vital needs of the population and ensure internal and external stability and security," Avanesyan clarified.