Gurgen Nersisyan has resigned as Artsakh Prosecutor General and most likely will replace Ruben Vardanyan as the country’s state minister.

Yesterday, Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan dismissed Vardanyan as state minister in a move seen by many as an attempt to facilitate direct relations between Artsakh and Azerbaijan.

Harutyunyan then offered the post to Nersisyan.

After dismissing Vardanyan, Harutyunyan decided to deprive the new state minister of the functions of the foreign ministry. Thus, the new state minister will not be involved in any possible dialogue with Baku.

Azerbaijan, which proposed direct talks with Artsakh, never hid its contempt for Vardanyan, describing him as an outsider sent to Karabakh by Moscow.

While state minister, Vardanyan often overshadowed Harutyunyan on the international front and announced he was qualified to negotiate with Baku on behalf of Karabakh Armenians.

Update: Nersisyan today accepted Harutyunyan's offer to become state minister.