Hraparak: Wave of discontent against separatist minister rising in Karabakh

Discontent against "state minister" Ruben Vardanyan is growing in areas under the temporary control of the Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh.

The statement came from the Yerevan-based Hraparak newspaper, Caliber.Az reports.

"A certain wave is already rising in Karabakh against Ruben Vardanyan's tenure as a state minister. It is possible that protests demanding Vardanyan's removal will be organised if a road is opened instead. However, there are forces in Karabakh opposed to Vardanyan's removal. Bako Sahakyan, a former separatist leader, is also vehemently opposed.

We got interested in Russia's attitude. We were informed that Russians have become so passive and withdrawn that they don't care whether Ruben Vardanyan is a "state minister" or not. Moreover, [incumbent separatist president] Araik Harutyunyan has been informed several times that he is free in this matter, he can even displace Vardanyan today," Hraparak writes.