Sections of Road from Kapan to Chakatak and Other Villages Have Fallen Under Azerbaijani Control Using GPS and Google Maps, Says Armenian Ombudsman

In the Syunik province of Armenia, visits have continued today to the city of Kapan and the villages of Agarak, Yeghvard, Chakatak, and others. This was reported on Facebook by the Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan.

“Investigations were conducted in the areas surrounding the administrative buildings and runways of Kapan Airport, which are in direct proximity to Azerbaijani deployment sites. The findings indicate that risks have arisen not only for Kapan Airport but also for movements on the interstate road leading from Kapan to Yerevan (M2) and for several residential areas in the city of Kapan.

During the Ombudsman's office's visit to the airport and the aforementioned villages, several versions of Google and online maps demonstrated differing results on-site. In several instances, the road from Kapan to Chakatak village, as well as sections of Kapan Airport where Azerbaijani forces are stationed, were fully represented as parts of the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

Today's visits by the Ombudsman to the city of Kapan and its villages underscore that the current approaches, particularly the mechanical application of the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Google Maps, have created serious threats to the rights and security of border residents, their physical and mental integrity, and other vital rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Armenia, some of which have already been grossly violated. The security of Armenia's state borders has been jeopardized.

Specifically, according to this principle's mechanical application, various sections of the road from Kapan to Chakatak and other villages have fallen under Azerbaijani control, putting the movement of peaceful residents at real risk. It should be mandatory to consider that this road is of absolute importance to the safety and essential rights of the residents of Chakatak, Shikahogh, Sraşen, Nerkhin Hand, and Tsav villages.

Additionally, for instance, in Chakatak, Agarak, or Yeghvard, people have been deprived of the opportunity to sustain their vital livelihoods, including the use of agricultural land necessary for private or economic activities (such as gardens, arable land, or pastures). Moreover, this refers to plots for which certificates confirming state registration of rights, including property rights, have been issued either by the competent authorities of Soviet Armenia or various periods of independent Armenia (Cadastral Committee, etc.).

However, international regulations on boundary demarcation directly require that when determining a country's state borders, priority attention must be given to the rights of border residents, their real estate, or other property-related issues, among others. It is essential to ascertain who will be deprived of rights to their residence, land, business private objects, and other properties due to the border demarcation process. It must be noted that they have a legitimate right to compensation.

Among the primary tasks of the state in the border demarcation process is to address issues of guaranteeing the safe use of agricultural areas, forests, and water resources necessary for the vital needs of border residents.

Thus, the ongoing approaches, particularly the resolution of the issue of Armenia's borders through the GPS (Global Positioning) system or applications of a private organization, namely Google, which also jeopardize the inviolability of Armenia’s state borders and the security of the country, are absolutely unacceptable from the standpoint of ensuring the rights of people living in our country and especially those of border residents.

Meetings today with residents of rural areas that have become border regions, discussions with community bodies, and investigations confirm that Azerbaijani soldiers appear in armed positions along various sections of roads connecting the specified civilian settlements of the Republic of Armenia and do so in a provocative manner, displaying weapons openly with the aim of intimidating peaceful residents.

Investigations by the Ombudsman’s office indicate that residents in Kapan, Agarak, Yeghvard, and other border areas do not have information regarding boundary determinations and their rights. This creates an unstable situation and fosters a climate of anxiety and concern among peaceful residents.

During today's visit, important meetings took place with the mayor of Kapan, leaders of Yeghvard, Agarak, and several other rural localities, other community bodies, community residents, as well as personnel from the Armenian Armed Forces and the National Security Service border guards. The personnel of the Armenian Armed Forces and the NSS border guards are performing heroic and selfless duties.

The Ombudsman’s office obtained specific facts necessary to protect people's rights regarding the situations encountered during today’s visits, for which separate summaries will be made, and necessary measures will be taken.

A visit to the city of Meghri is planned.