We should not contribute to the realization of Azerbaijani criminal goals by any action. Acting President of Artsakh

Acting President of Artsakh Republic Davit Ishkhanyan issued a statement, calling not to give in to provocations that divide the people, not to succumb to narrow group interests and to put aside personal preferences for the sake of the common good.

"Tomorrow, on September 9, according to the Constitution of the Republic of Artsakh, the National Assembly will elect the President of the Republic. In the created unusual situation, we are taking this step in order to respond quickly to the challenges that are increasing every day, to effectively organize the internal life of the country and to face the external challenges properly. The right and duty to elect the head of the country is assigned by the Constitution to the parliament elected by you. The authority to nominate a candidate for the president of the republic is reserved exclusively for the factions of the Artsakh National Assembly, which was carried out in accordance with the established procedure.

Until now, all preparatory processes for the resignation of the President of the Republic and the election of a new President have been organized in accordance with the Constitution and legislation, taking into account the current acute crisis situation.

Taking into account certain dangerous trends developing in public sentiments in recent days, at this responsible moment, with the right reserved to me, I call for sobriety to everyone and urge not to give in to the provocations that divide the people, not to succumb to narrow group interests and to put aside personal preferences for the sake of the common good. No one has the right to take our community, its individual groups, on an adventure during this time that is fatal for us.

I want to specifically emphasize and assure you that all actions that undermine internal stability will be stopped by the force of law.

We have all the opportunities to nullify Azerbaijan's desire to dismantle the state institutions of the Artsakh Republic and we should not contribute to the realization of Azeri criminal goals by any action. We are committed to protecting and strengthening the foundations of statehood built over three decades. It is the desire and will of our people, and we are obliged to be guided by those messages. I wish all of us the best of luck in carrying out this very important political process. Believe me, together we will make the impossible possible," the statement said.