Armenian president resigns

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has tendered his resignation on Sunday, according to a statement on his official website.

Sargsyan clarified that his decision was not dictated by emotions. He noted that Armenia lives in a reality in which its president cannot influence the issues of war or peace. With this reality, the president has no "constitutional instrument" to help the country, Sargsyan said.

“At this difficult stage for our state, when national unity is needed, the presidential institution should not be the object of gossip and conspiracy theories, thereby diverting public attention from the most important issues. Otherwise, we, the mirror of the whole world, will not achieve the goal of our mission and find ourselves in the margins of history. We no longer have the right to be wrong. Finally, I would like to express special gratitude to our citizens and our compatriots in Spruce for their perseverance, endurance, patience and courage in these difficult times for the country,” the statement reads.

Sargsyan also said that there are certain political groups in the country, whose target is the head of state. They are interested in the president’s personal life. “This concern for me goes beyond morality, ultimately directly affecting my health,” he said.

In conclusion, he thanked all citizens "for their steadfastness, endurance, patience and courage in these difficult times for the country." The former Armenian leader expressed special gratitude to the soldiers and officers. Sargsyan has served as President of the Republic since 9 April 2018.