Artsakh needs fundamental security guarantees - Arayik Harutyunyan 

ArmInfo.The term of the Russian peacekeeping mission expires in 2025, so Artsakh needs more fundamental security guarantees, Arayik Harutyunyan, President of the Republic of Artsakh, stated in an interview with France 24. 

The Artsakh people's right to self-determination - a way to  independence - must be respected. 

"This right is internationally protected by U.N. resolutions, and we  are going to struggle to the end. The Republic of Artsakh opted for  self-determination on legal grounds, and an overwhelming majority of  the Artsakh population is supporting this way. And this right to  independence of the Artsakh people is not to be bargained over," Mr  Harutyunyan said. 

The Artsakh Armenians are in danger. 

"A genocide or ethnic cleanse - no difference for us. If we are to  leave Artsakh, that is tantamount to a massacre for us. We have been  living in our lands for thousands of years and we want to live on.  This is our right. But Azerbaijan's ongoing provocations are evidence  of new war threats, with Turkey supporting Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is  unilaterally rejecting an international dialogue. We are grateful for  and supportive of French MPs' initiatives aimed at recognizing  independent Republic of Artsakh and we are hoping for the civilized  world's support," Mr Harutyunyan said.