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The majority of Armenians in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) sees no alternative to the recognition of its independence, says Ruben Vardanyan, who was dismissed as Artsakh state minister on Thursday.

"Most Artsakh people don't see any other alternative to independence," he told a forum in Yerevan marking the 35th anniversary of the Artsakh movement via a video link on Friday.

"However, we are facing a problem; people have lost faith in themselves, the leadership and the future. I believe we have to make major sacrifices as it was the case in the 88th when the movement began. We not only discussed the issue of Artsakh's independence, but also our values, principles and what we were ready for. These are important issues, without an answer to which it would be difficult to move forward," Vardanian noted.

He highlighted Artsakh's independence and the people's right to self-determination as the most important issues in the current situation.

"We made our decision long ago. We can successfully overcome all difficulties on this path if we carry out this important work every single day, every hour, every minute. I have good reason to say that Artsakh will remain Armenian and will not give up,” Vardanian said, stressing it requires national unity and struggle.