Samvel Babayan, former Defense Minister of the Republic of Artsakh and a lieutenant general, is not seeking the presidency of Artsakh, according to a statement from his office.

“In response to media inquiries and unsubstantiated information, we declare that Samvel Babayan is not pursuing the presidency of Artsakh. We view such reports as part of a deliberate campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion,” the statement reads.

Babayan's position on preserving and continuing Artsakh's state institutions has been repeatedly expressed in discussions with current President Samvel Shahramanyan, as well as during full sessions and working meetings of the National Assembly, through the activities of the 'United Homeland' parliamentary group.

“We urge media outlets to stop spreading narratives that have no basis in reality and to adhere to professional standards of responsibility,” the statement concludes.