'This is a sacred war which we must win together' - Artsakh president heading to frontline  

President of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Arsakh) Republic Arayik Harutyunyan on Saturday announced his decision to head to the frontline to join the ongoing battles.

In an address to the generals, officers and sergeants of the Defense Armyy, as well as the devoted volunteers, he made a call for standing up for the country's defense to fight the enemy and prevent new crimes against the mankind.

Citing the ongoing battles along the entire Line of Contact and the shellings of numerous civilian settlements (including the capital city of Stepanakert) as a real existential hazards, Harutyunyan said he feels he will be more valuable on the frontline in the face of the threat to the nation and the Fatherland.

"I call upon you all to stand up rapidly - with a selfless devotion - in defense of our inalienable right to live in our fatherland without any existential threat.

"This is a sacred patriotic war which we must win with everybody's maximum participation and dedication.

"I do believe in the brevity of your spirit and your might.

"Let us be worthy of our ancestors, of all those who, centuries ago, sacrificed their lives in Sardarapat, the Great Patriotic [War], the Artsakh liberation battle, the 2016 April War and the July 2020 battles to make every morning of our mothers, sisters and kids full of peace and every smile of theirs - full of dignity and pride.

"Let us be responsible to our present and future generations to prevent the century-old enemy from commiting a new crime of genocide against us and shaking the yatagan [Ottoman sword] over our existence and dignity, to enable the future generations to permanently live and create on their own land with their own merits.

"We have celebrated numerous victories, creating an organized and efficient, powerful and triumphant army in the region. Today, the Armenian army is the living incarnation and axis of national unity and solidarity. Now it is time again for the entire nation to shape into a solid and powerful army, a spiritual patriotic fence to face the alien storms which will be swiftly pushing back.

"I am sure that you share my concerns and beliefs, that you are also committed to the nationwide and universal values which we must stand up for - unhesitatingly and resolutely.

"This is our last battle which we will win together.

"I am with you until the VICTORY.

"We are heading to the battlefront with arms!

 "We have the honor," the president said.