July 2, 2026
The Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, Ashot Danielyan, made a statement, in which it is said:
“Dear compatriots,
After long deliberations, discussions and consultations of the last few days, I have decided to resign from the post of the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh.
This decision was not easy for me. I did not assume this position on May 21, 2025 out of personal interest, political ambition or desire to hold a position.
My goal in assuming the position was not to leave the issue of maintaining state institutions in a state of limbo, especially at a time when the continuity of Artsakh’s state structures, the political voice of our people and the protection of rights were facing a serious threat.
Every decision and action of mine was aimed at one goal: to protect the rights of the people of Artsakh and preserve the continuity of statehood in the conditions of the new reality created in the Republic of Armenia.
All this time, I was guided exclusively by national interests and responsibility towards our people.
My family’s connection with Artsakh was never formal. My father gave his life for the survival of Artsakh Republic. Our family paid the most expensive price for Artsakh: the price of human life.
After the forced displacement, when we arrived in Armenia, I could, like many, focus only on my family, start a new life, a new job and provide for our tomorrow. That would be a much easier way for me.
But I chose not the easy one, but the obligatory one. I took on this burden, realizing that at the most difficult moment, someone should continue to bear the state responsibility, protect the rights of the people of Artsakh and preserve the idea of Artsakh statehood. I could not allow the issue of maintaining the state institutions to remain in a state of disrepair in the difficult conditions created.
In many cases, those who were ready to take any step to get a position in the good days of Artsakh were not by my side on that road. When the position was opportunity, influence and privilege, there were many who wanted it. When it became a struggle, pressure, heavy responsibility and personal sacrifice, many simply left.
I never aspired to a position. I stayed and continued to fight because I felt obliged both to the memory of my father, to our people, and to Artsakh.
However, the false and artificial rumors, groundless accusations and slanders that have been circulating about my person in the recent period also influenced the making of this decision. I do not want the targeted campaign against my person to in any way cast a shadow on the reputation of the Republic of Artsakh, its state institutions and the National Assembly.
When the necessary unity and shared responsibility are lacking, one or more people cannot continuously carry the entire burden. Therefore, this decision is also a conscious step to protect the state structure from personal speculations and artificially created antagonisms. Therefore, I submit my resignation from the post of the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh.
This resignation does not mean resignation from Artsakh. It does not mean giving up the protection of the rights of our people and the struggle for which our family has already paid with the price of their lives. The position is temporary. Artsakh, the pain of our people, the memory of our heroes and the debt to them is permanent.
I express my gratitude to all those people, deputies and colleagues who have remained beside their responsibility and national goals during this entire time.
I am sure that the will of our people cannot be broken. The issue of Artsakh cannot be considered closed as long as there is a people with rights to their homeland, as long as there is a demand for return, and as long as the memory of our fallen heroes obliges us not to surrender.
I am sure that the National Assembly and all state institutions will continue their activities, remaining steadfast on the path of protecting the rights of our people and realizing national goals.
Glory to our homeland.
Glory to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Artsakh.
Honor our people.”
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Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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