The President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan appealed to the citizens․

“Dear compatriots,

Based on the current situation, a special sitting of the National Assembly has been convened. Speaking before the deputies, I declared state of war and a general mobilization for the age group over eighteen.
We have repeatedly stated that we are not in favor of war, but we are ready for war.
There is no one more peace-loving and for peace than we are. We did not want a war, this war was imposed on us, and we must defend our homeland and our families. The entire responsibility for the aggravation of the situation will be borne by the military-political authorities of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani President Aliyev will personally be responsible for the humanitarian catastrophe in the region.”