Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan convened an extended consultation today with the participation of the management staff of state bodies.

Summing up the past year, the state minister considered it difficult.

“We faced a new reality – a blockade. On the other hand, this year showed that society is really ready to come together, and the two rallies showed people’s willingness to stand side by side. I want to thank the people of Artsakh, who in this situation do not lose their spirit, do not change their ideas about the independence and future of Artsakh, and continue to stand dignified on their land”, emphasized Ruben Vardanyan.

The Minister of State thanked the participants of the session for the work carried out in difficult conditions. Addressing the newly appointed Ministers of Health, Agriculture, Territorial Administration, and Infrastructure, he said that it is not appropriate to congratulate them in this situation, instead, perhaps it is more correct to thank them for taking responsibility. The Minister of State emphasized that despite the blockade, the initiated reforms will continue.

“Of course, we planned to implement all this in a different way, but new realities require a new approach. We have to make decisions and move forward step by step.”

Referring to the financial and economic situation, he noted that the year is ending with a large budget deficit. In addition, the blockade is putting the economy in an increasingly difficult position. The Minister of State noted that in such realities, great efforts and maximum organized work will be required to ensure the normal life activity of the population.

“Despite these difficulties, we will go forward, we have no other way,” he emphasized.