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The ongoing political processes in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) could give a new impetus to the settlement of the Artsakh issue, opposition politician Artur Vanetsyan told reporters on Saturday as he visited the Artsakh Republic Permanent Representation in Yerevan on its 32nd independence anniversray.

His comments came after Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan stepped down on Friday. Along with his resignation, he also dismissed Gurgen Nersisyan as state minister and named security chief Samvel Shahramanyan as his replacement.

Vanetsyan, the leader of the Homeland Party, hailed Artsakh’s new state minister as a “patriotic, disciplined and brave man who does not shy away from responsibility.”

“I hope that he will be able to achieve a breakthrough in this issue in these difficult times. We should all support him,” he said, referring to Azerbaijan’s 8+ month blockade of Artsakh.

Vanetsyan also stressed the need for the new Artsakh leaders to make "clear assessments" about the Armenian authorities’ actions.

"We blame everyone, including Russia, the U.S. and the EU, except for the Armenian authorities. The Artsakh National Assembly has always made clear statements, but, unfortunately, the government led by former President Arayik Harutyunyan has never done it,” the politician added.