YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] President Arayik Harutyunyan is trying to appear before Russian authorities as an independent player and decouple from [Armenia’s PM] Nikol Pashinyan, as if he has nothing to do with him. But in reality, he is completely under the influence of Pashinyan.

In recent times, Arayik Harutyunyan has been appealing to his old and new entourage on financial issues, asking [them] to assist Artsakh. During this time, he distributes money to various people to be able to maintain his power.

After the trilateral statement on November 10, Harutyunyan is trying to reduce the deep public discontent that has emerged against him by giving positions and privileges to various active people, engaging [them] in state tenders.

We were told that the Arayik Harutyunyan-Vitaly Balasanyan mutual relations are becoming more and more dramatic. The AR [Artsakh Republic] President constantly senses the breath of SC [Security Council] secretary Vitaly Balasanyan behind him, which makes him hurry to strengthen the power.