“We have never been suspicious of the Armenian judicial system. It is up to the Armenian judicial system. I do not want to get involved or give my opinion on the work of the Armenian judicial system,” the President-Elect of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, said during a press conference in response to a question about changing the preventive measure of the former Prime Minister of Artsakh and the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan.
Arayik Harutyunyan also said that, before the former prime ministers of Artsakh decided to give their personal guarantees for changing the preventive measure of Robert Kocharyan, the Azat Hayrenik (Free Homeland) political party made a statement appealing to the Prosecutor General of Armenia to change Robert Kocharyan’s preventive measure. In addition, deputies from the Azat Hayrenik party provided their signatures.
When asked about what policies will be implemented for bringing in new professionals, Harutyunyan said that there will be changes, but there will also be people who will remain in their positions. Arayik Harutyunyan said that high-ranking officials need to be accessible to the public, they need to work transparently, and they need to be respected by society.
Arayik Harutyunyan said that he was unable to say whether or not there would be cooperation with other political parties. However, he is prepared to cooperate with anyone regarding socioeconomic issues, the Artsakh conflict resolution, security issues, and to establish a harmonious agenda with the Armenian authorities. The future will be clearer when he meets with parliament in a few days.
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He also said that he is prepared to collaborate with forces outside of the Artsakh parliament. Referring to his meetings with the former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, Samvel Babayan, after the initial phase of the elections and the offer to cooperate, Arayik Harutyunyan stated that he did not meet with anyone, nor did he hold negotiations. “Samvel Babayan already said that he is not interested in holding any positions. Any politician who respects themselves is not interested in the position, but instead in projects and principles. He said that he is prepared to cooperate to implement different projects. We said that we are prepared to cooperate on different projects and principles with any political force. No agreements have been made, but when we come to an agreement, the public will be informed.” Regarding constitutional reforms, Arayik Harutyunyan said that it is still too early to speak about that and things will be clear when the government is formed.
In order to withstand economic difficulties as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Arayik Harutyunyan said that there will be a need to appeal to the Armenian authorities to include Artsakh in additional measures to help its economy. Therefore, he intends to meet with the Armenian authorities soon. The meetings will not only be about preventing the spread of the virus, but also about dealing with economic difficulties, which also will benefit the Armenian authorities. “We have a lot to do in terms of security provisions. Yes, I will appeal to them and I am convinced that the Armenian government, as always, will continue to support the Artsakh authorities.”
Nelly Grigoryan
