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Armenia’s former Prime Minister Vazgen Manukyan has congratulated Samvel Shahramanyan on his election as new Artsakh president.

The Artsakh National Assembly voted 22 to 1 to elect Shahramanyan as the country's new president on Saturday. Shahramanyan replaces Arayik Harutyunyan who resigned on September 1.

In a statement on Monday, Manukyan highlighted the change of power as a strong indication of Artsakh’s sovereignty and independence.

“By assuming this important, yet extremely difficult role, you have shouldered great responsibility.  I wish you every success in fulfilling your mission with honor, contributing to the realization of the wishes and dreams of the heroic Artsakh people,” he said.

“You have to be resolute and unwavering to cope with the current challenges, at the same time successfully collaborating with all stakeholders despite their positions,” the former PM noted, expressing hope that during his tenure Artsakh will emerge stronger from the current ordeals.

The people of Artsakh have been living under Azerbaijan's unlawful blockade for nearly nine months now.