Goris Mayor Arush Arushanyan, who is currently under arrest, has issued a statement announcing his candidacy for the upcoming local elections as a candidate for mayor of the enlarged Goris community.

“Dear compatriots, dear residents of Goris community,

With great responsibility and determination, I would like to inform you that I am running for the upcoming local elections as a candidate for mayor of the enlarged community of Goris. I am in prison at the moment, but I am sure that justice will be restored soon; it will be restored with dignity and the support of my compatriots in principle, because we have passed our straight path in front of everyone.

I am running in the elections with the “Arush Arushanyan” Alliance formed by my teammates, which is based on the principles of justice and freedom, national state interest and national solidarity, thanks to which we will be able to establish lasting peace and solidarity within the community, create real conditions and prospects for Goris.

And in order to realize those perspectives, I have enough will and determination, diligence and high responsibility and dedication to serve my homeland. I am going to the elections, because I cannot leave the work I started unfinished, despite all the obstacles created, the injustices unfolding against me, because my work is fair, my interests are absolutely pro-state, my ideology is national.

As all these artificial difficulties are useless for the Great Mission for which I received your unanimous vote of confidence in 2017, that is, the development of the Goris community and the establishment of the welfare of the population. Let me speak today for all the work and programs that have been implemented during these four years, thanks to the daily selfless dedication of my team, of course, receiving your daily support and assistance to the sacred work that we carried out to have our “Goris of dreams” as soon as possible. I believe, you already know that I do not like to talk for a long time.

I am sure you have already noticed that my principles are not based on false promises and eloquent words, but on real deeds and the creation of lasting values, which we must pass on to our generations with honor. The position of the head of the community is nothing but a selfless service to God, the Homeland, the people, which I have done and am ready to do with great honor, responsibility and high dignity especially to the people of Goris,” the statement reads.