The state institutions of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are working on the formation of professional army units on a contractual basis to ensure the defense of the country’s borders, Secretary of the Artsakh Security Council Vitaly Balasanyan said in a statement released by the Artsakh Public TV on Wednesday.

He strongly denied media reports alleging the Azerbaijani flag will be hoisted at the buildings of government agencies in the Renaissance Square of capital Stepanakert and the Artsakh army will be disbanded.

Also, the security chief said the fears that Azerbaijanis may settle in Krkzhan and Ajapnyak districts of Stepanakert or the village of Ivanyan in Askeran region in the future are “groundless”.

“Dear people of Artsakh, on behalf of the Artsakh authorities, I assure you that despite the irreparable losses we suffered in the wake of the war, the state is constantly committed to fulfilling its obligations to ensure the security and normal life of the population. Therefore, I urge you not to fall for fake news and rest assured that everything possible is being and has been done to create and expand the necessary conditions for the Artsakh people’s dignified life,” the statement said.