More than 50,000 residents have returned to Artsakh, Minister Jiirair Mirzoyan elaborates

The process of returning residents to Artsakh is progressing quite actively. In an interview with Armenpress, Jiirair Mirzoyan, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Development of the Republic of Artsakh, stated that more than 50,000 residents have already returned to Artsakh.

“Many of those who return live in Stepanakert and surrounding areas, even those whose homes are in territories now under Azerbaijani control. The first stop for returnees is Stepanakert, where their transport to their places of residence is organized. Regarding the surrounding regions, if anyone has transportation issues, they apply to the government, and arrangements are made,” said the minister.

In response to concerns that residents arrive in Stepanakert and find no one to greet them, with many unsure of what to do, Jiirair Mirzoyan assured that there is already a responsible person on duty at Renaissance Square. “When it comes to organized transfers, these have always been coordinated. However, many come on their own initiative, so we do not know about the return of many. If informed in advance, of course, we will welcome them. But I reiterate, there is now a permanent person responsible at Renaissance Square,” the minister explained.

Residents returning to Artsakh whose homes have been preserved go straight to their houses. Those whose houses need repairs must apply to the Ministry of Urban Development, which provides assistance with necessary matters. Families whose homes have not survived or are located in areas remaining under Azerbaijani control are accommodated in temporary shelters. These include hotels, 90 percent of which are already occupied, adapted spaces, and public buildings.

A significant number of families have settled in village homes that were previously vacated. The Artsakh government has begun to provide homes to those who have lost their residences based on a rental principle. Residents of Karvachar and other areas who lost their homes post-ceasefire need to contact local authorities that are carrying out registrations and seeking to provide temporary accommodations. The minister informed that a large-scale housing construction program will be launched in Artsakh soon.

The minister assured that essential household items are also provided to the returnees, particularly beds, heating devices, blankets, and more. Currently, one of the issues is that the electricity and gas supply systems are not yet fully operational, as they have not been completely restored. According to Jiirair Mirzoyan, work is actively being carried out in this direction, and after the systems are restored, there will be no issues regarding comfort in this respect.

Regarding reports of shortages of goods in stores, the minister noted that this has been the case and still exists, but is no longer at concerning levels. The operation of stores and the process of transporting goods are gradually falling back into place.

Referring to the upcoming return of residents to Artsakh, the minister emphasized that this process needs to be coordinated with local authorities, as it will not be possible to accommodate everyone immediately with housing or shelter. It is essential that this process occurs in parallel with restoration efforts.