Nagorno-Karabakh can't bargain the demand of its people by renouncing their right to self-determination, Karabakh (Artsakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan told a government meeting on Saturday, April 9.

"We are in favor of lasting peace, but we cannot bargain the demand of our people by renouncing the right to self-determination," Harutyunyan's office cited him as saying.

Harutyunyan cited "new geopolitical realities" for a number of upcoming changes in the government's agenda. According to him, discussions with political forces will begin in the near future to form a joint political agenda, which will be based first of all on the risks expected amid external security challenges facing Artsakh.

Arayik Harutyunyan noted that the government will be saving funds, which, however, does not mean that earlier approved programs will not be implemented.