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Artsakh’s Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Migration Mane Tandilyan on Wednesday deplored a bill that would make Russian the second official language in Artsakh, stating it is “not justified and necessary”.

The bill cites Artsakh’s history of “cultural, military and economic relations” with Russia and the fact that many Artsakh Armenians speak Russian as their second language, saying giving it an official status would help deepen ties with Russia in all spheres.

“Artsakh is Armenian and will continue to be so. The changes in the official language are not justified and necessary,” she wrote on Facebook.

“Armenians of both Artsakh and Armenia, including officials, communicate in foreign languages at their will and out of necessary.

“The basis of the official language is the nationality of the people living in the country. Thus, discussing the issue of language in Artsakh, as one of the most ethnically homogeneous countries in the world, is like discussing the Armenian identity of the Artsakh people.

“I speak Russian with Russians and English with English speakers. I would like to know other languages as well. Speaking various languages is about you, the official language is about the country. Learning foreign languages does not necessarily entail trampling on your own identity and dignity.

“Our decades of incompetence should not be enshrined in law, not allowing generations to correct our mistakes,” the minister said.