Nagorno-Karabakh declares national emergency to halt coronavirus spread

The president of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) has declared a national emergency amid the reports on increasing cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Bako Sahakyan addressed the nation at an interagency commission meeting on April 12, referring to a recently signed decree aimed at the prevention of future cases and the protection of the country's populaion from an epidemic.

Sahakyan reminded the citizens of Artsakh of his earlier statement - made after a cabinet meeting back on March 16 - elaborating on the measures being undertaken to contain virus.

He also promised additional steps on the government's part to keep the population up to date of the situation in case of future developments.

Noting that the global pandemic coincided with a constitutionally important moment - the presidential and parliamentary elections in Nagorno-Karabakh - the president admitted that it was their duty to do everything possible to organize the process within the assigned timeframes "ensuring the population's health and keeping our people away from possible risks".

"Constitutionally prescribed important nationwide events - such as elections of the president of the republic and the National Assembly - are not the whim of anyone but rather the clear understanding of the existing situation, i.e. - that a failure to conduct elections within established timeframes may by definition cause a constitutional crisis with the numerous unpredictable consequences stemming therefrom.

"That is why we have carried out all the procedures envisaged under government decisions - which imply the fight against coronavirus and are currently effective in different countries. The fight against the infection has not for a moment ceased across the republic. The interagency commission is working effectively to provide a prompt solution to all the problems," he said.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the country's legislative, executive and judicial authorities, the Artsakh president's press service reports.

Sahakyan added that they carry out the preventive actions "in close collaboration" with the corresponding agencies of Armenia, conducting political consultations with the country's top leadership.

Highlighting the high level of responsibility for coordinating the measures, the president said they invest the best possible efforts towards completing the assigned tasks.

He also stressed the state's important role in maximum preventing an economic crisis in the country.

"What we need under such circumstances is a government enjoying the people's full trust to do everything possible - within its authority under the law - to effectively resist all the future challenges. Under the extremely serious conditions today, we do need, more than ever before, legitimately elected authorities," the president added.

Sahakyan said that the state of emergency will be effective from 10:00 local time April 12 until 10:00pm local time May 12.

He added that they also set up special emergency headquarters to organize the joint management of the legal regime, involving the heads of the interested government bodies under the leadership of State Minister Grigory Martirosyan.

The president also called for an understanding approach, raising the urgency of a strict compliance with assigned measures and recommendations.

"All our actions must be aimed at ensuring the well-being of our country and citizens, and the future of our free, independent and democratic state. I wish sound health and all the best to all of us," Sahakyan said.