Russian peacekeepers stationed in Artsakh (Photo by Dickran Khodanian)

The National Assembly of Artsakh voted to grant official status to the Russian language on Thursday.

While Armenian will remain the only state language, with a vote of 27 in favor, zero opposed and two abstentions, the Artsakh parliament made the changes to the law on language.

The bill was drafted by Vice-President of the National Assembly Gagik Baghunts and members of parliament Aram Harutyunyaan and Metakse Hakobyan, reported Public Radio of Armenia.

Co-authors of the bill say the necessity is based on “the historical memory of the cultural, military and economic relations between Artsakh and Russia and the fact that Russian is the second language of communication for many residents of Artsakh.”

The lawmakers say the proposed changes will create necessary conditions for deepening cooperation in all spheres, and in the foreseeable future will contribute to the development of relations within the legal framework.

“The need for a long-term presence of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh, the joint solution of many social and communication problems, cooperation in the fields of construction, health, education and science requires a reassessment of the role of the Russian language,” the authors say.

The effort has also been endorsed by Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan.