President of unrecognized Karabakh replaces PM, resigns

YEREVAN. Aug 31 (Interfax) - President of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) Arayik Harutyunyan has tendered his resignation and relieved State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan of his duties.

"I will tender my resignation tomorrow. This is a final decision that I made two days ago, taking into account my contacts with every foreign and domestic actor and the public," Harutyunyan said on a social network.

He said he signed an executive order on Thursday to relieve State Minister (Prime Minister) Nersisyan of his duties.

"Security Council Secretary Samvel Shahramanyan has been appointed to this position. He has been given broad powers," Harutyunyan said.

The current situation requires change and flexibility, Harutyunyan said. "My biography and Azerbaijan's attitude to it have led to a number of conditions, which create problems for a further course of action and flexible policy. The defeat in the war and the subsequent difficulties have seriously affected confidence in the authorities and the president," he said.

Harutyunyan said he did not plan to leave Karabakh.

He was elected NKR president in spring 2020.