Dear compatriots, I have just signed the bill on making amendments to the Law on Defense, which was unanimously adopted by the Parliament today. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Arayik Haroutyunyan on Tuesday wrote this on Facebook.

"It [the bill] was submitted to the National Assembly on my initiative, and it will regulate the militia’s participation—on a voluntary basis—in the armed defense of our Republic.

The need for the adoption of the law stems from the current war situation and aims to further strengthen, together with the Defense Army, the protection of our borders. Both Turkey as well as thousands of mercenary terrorists are taking part in the war unleashed against us by the enemy [Azerbaijan].

At this crucial moment of the Holy Patriotic War, I once again appeal to our people to unite and make every effort to achieve a final victory. The individual involvement of each of you is important to crush the backbone of the enemy and push [it] back from our borders.

We will win, and we will ensure a future of peaceful and secure living on our own land and homeland for future generations.

Let’s get working!" Haroutyunyan added.