Today I made a decision to bestow upon Lieutenant General Jalal Harutyunyan the highest title of Hero of Artsakh for his exceptional services rendered to the Republic of Artsakh in ensuring the defense and security of the Homeland, for his courage and personal bravery manifested. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Arayik Haroutyunyan on Wednesday morning wrote this on Facebook.

"First of all, this is the assessment of the heroic struggle of our army; (…). [Artsakh’s now former defense minister and Defense Army commander] Jalal Harutyunyan is our hero, and we shall educate generations by his example.

According to doctors, Jalal Harutyunyan's health will be restored soon. He is in recovering phase and will soon join his fellow servicemen. I am convinced that the rich experience and knowledge of the commander will serve our Homeland for a long time to come," Haroutyunyan added in particular.