Azerbaijanis Entering, Trading in Our Shops Has Become Common. Askeran Mayor

The newspaper "Iravunk" reports: "With the signing of the trilateral statement on November 9, Askeran city has ended up 200-250 meters away from the border due to the loss of the town of Aghdam and surrounding areas. The city center is barely one kilometer away from Azerbaijanis. Meanwhile, people from Artsakh continue to return to their homes. So, what is the situation in Askeran these days? We tried to find out from Mayor Haik Shmiryanyan, who stated:

“The war can be said to have passed by Askeran, as it has not suffered serious damage. Before the war, the Askeran region had a population of a little over 18,000. During the war, about 50 percent of the population relocated in various directions, mainly to the Republic of Armenia. But gradually, people are starting to return, although there are certain concerns regarding the border situation.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“Well, we are less than a kilometer away from the Azerbaijani border. Within the framework of this agreement, we have become closer to the border and have turned into a border zone. In total, eight communities from the Askeran region have been handed over to Azerbaijan. Our main priority today is to provide housing and food for the displaced residents.”

“Mr. Shmiryanyan, Askeran residents are raising alarms that Azerbaijanis are entering border villages unchecked, even attempting to harass young girls and the elderly.”

“To be honest, I have not witnessed such cases, rather, I haven’t come across them. I can say that the movement of Azerbaijanis is visible from a very short distance from Askeran. They are entering under the pretext of demarcation. Many of our villagers are able to communicate with them, and moreover, through negotiations, they manage to enter and take out their crops and supplies from areas that have been handed over to the opposite side. Some leave, and some do not. That’s the situation.”

“It is said that Azerbaijanis are trading with Askeran villages.”

“Yes, there is such a thing. Both Azerbaijanis and peacekeepers enter and trade in our shops. It has already become commonplace.”

“Commonplace?”

“There is certainly a fear, especially among those who have not seen the vengeful eyes of the Turks; they are not afraid. But older individuals, who understand who the Turk is, what they can do, and what damage they can cause — those people certainly have fears.”

For more details, see today’s edition of the newspaper.