11 Homes in Shurnukh Have Passed Under Azerbaijani Control, With Ownership Certificates Held by Residents, Armenian Ombudsman

The Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, addressed the process of border determination between Armenia and Azerbaijan during a press conference today. He emphasized whether human rights violations are occurring as a result of border delineations, whether the security of our country's borders is at risk, and whether these developments are leading to peace and harmony from the perspective of our people's rights.

Tatoyan mentioned several problematic situations, stating that in the village of Shurnukh, part of the large community of Goris in the Syunik Province, the barn of Styopa Movsisyan has been split in two, a consequence of applying mechanical approaches. He noted that one of the primary methods used is GPS technology, and additional maps from other private companies were also utilized to demonstrate that the village is entirely Armenian.

He further added that Azerbaijani signs have been installed on certain sections of the roads that have come under Azerbaijani control, with these signings accompanied by provocations: "The installation of these signs by Azerbaijani soldiers is carried out with open provocations, appearing regularly with weapons displayed clearly, while these are roads connecting our peaceful settlements."

Tatoyan pointed out that in the divided territories, there are peaceful residents on our side, while armed individuals are present on the Azerbaijani side. He stated, "This is not only the case in the Goris area or the enlarged community, but we also have such incidents near the Kapan Airport. Our studies confirm that direct threats have emerged not only for the Kapan Airport but also for the M2 interstate road that connects Kapan to Yerevan. The residential areas of Kapan are also under threat."

There are also issues concerning the roads leading from Kapan to Jrakaten, Srashen, Shikahogh, Nerkhin Hand, and Tsav villages, where Azerbaijani flags are present and armed individuals are observing, Tatoyan noted. He added that several other villages in the Syunik Province have also become vulnerable due to mechanical approaches. Similar issues are evident in the Gegharkunik Province, according to Arman Tatoyan.

He emphasized that hatred against Armenians continues to be promoted in Azerbaijan. Just days ago, Azerbaijan committed war crimes, and the security of our population should be viewed in the context of borders.

According to the Human Rights Defender, 11 homes in Shurnukh have come under Azerbaijani control, for which residents hold ownership certificates. In the case of the village of Qorot, people have been deprived of the opportunity to use over 326 hectares of private and community land. In the village of Agarak, residents have lost access to over 60 hectares of land.

A number of residents in certain areas of the Gegharkunik Province have also been deprived of access to pastures.