Azerbaijanis Give 1 Day Ultimatum to Evacuate Half of Shurnukh Village, Tensions Rise

Azerbaijanis have given Armenian residents of Shurnukh village in the Syunik region one day to evacuate half of the village. This was reported by Menua Hovsepyan, the deputy mayor of Goris.

“The adversary has threatened that if the territories are not vacated by tomorrow morning, they will launch an armed attack against the villagers. The villagers and the village head have been informed that the Armenian authorities were aware of this situation ten days ago,” Hovsepyan said.

He mentioned that the villagers have currently blocked the highway passing through the village, which also leads to Azerbaijan. “The villagers want to understand who was told about the ten-day ultimatum and who was aware of it. These are painful compromises,” Hovsepyan stated.

He noted that the issue concerns about 12 houses and their land, which is a large area. “The same irresponsible situation continues. At this moment, the only hope for the people of Syunik is God. In fact, it is utter neglect,” Hovsepyan emphasized.

When asked if the lands are related to the 20 plots mentioned by Prime Minister Pashinyan two days ago, Hovsepyan struggled to provide a clear answer. “I don’t know, up until now I haven’t heard anything adequate from that Prime Minister. He really does not grasp the situation. He has no connection with us, particularly with Syunik. The status of these people is quite serious. We are losing our border villages. How do they expect this village to be divided, with one part living under a Turk and the other part being Shurnukh residents?”