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Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan and second President of Artsakh Arkady Ghukasyan have asked Armenia’s Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan to release former President Robert Kocharyan ahead of May 9, marking the Victory Day, the Artsakh Defense Army Day and Shushi Liberation Day.

“Traditionally, guests at celebrations held in Stepanakert and Shushi include, among other honorable guests, all the former leaders of the Artsakh Republic, people who have had huge contribution to the Artsakh War, have stood at the origins of the creation of our state and army, have participated in the liberation of Shushi and have shaped our victory,” they said in the joint letter.

“Taking into account that First President of Artsakh Robert Kocharyan is under arrest, we are asking you to make a decision on replacing the measure of restraint against him ahead of May 9,” they said.

Sahakyan and Ghukasyan also added they are ready to provide any public guarantee necessary for Kocharyan’s release from custody until the end of trial.

“We hope that your decision will open up an opportunity for all three leaders of Artsakh to attend the May 9 celebrations in Stepanakert and Shushi, thus definitely delivering a message of solidarity and unity not only to our society but also the entire world, as well as the adversary,” reads the letter.

Kocharyan served as President of Artsakh from 1994 to 1997.