Azerbaijanis Want to Capture New Positions in Front of Amaras, Monastery's Abbot Says

Since the ceasefire, Azerbaijani soldiers have attempted 2-3 times to advance towards the village and move forward from their positions. The Azerbaijani military is stationed opposite Amaras, on the mountain above the village of Jivani. They are trying to capture new positions before the final border is drawn. This is of strategic importance to them, said His Grace Father Geghard Jebejian, the abbot of the Amaras Monastery in an interview with Yerkir.am.

The Amaras monastery complex is located in the village of Machkalaashen in the Martuni region of Artsakh. Father Geghard emphasizes that the Martuni area has never been Azerbaijani territory, and since 25-30 percent of the Martuni area is occupied by the enemy, the Azerbaijani troops have approached Amaras so closely that it has effectively become a border point.

From a security standpoint, the monastery is currently quite vulnerable. In this regard, the abbot expresses his concerns: “My request is for a Russian post or a shift of Russian peacekeepers to be established at Amaras. In the morning I go and in the evening I return, but the abbot must stay in the monastery, and it is dangerous to stay here overnight. For the Turks, killing a clergyman or taking them captive is seen as an act of heroism. We want to exclude even the possibility of suddenly entering the monastery at night and instilling fear. Therefore, I have said that until there is a Russian post or peacekeepers near Amaras, I personally will not be staying overnight at the monastery.”

The abbot notes that a request has already been made to the Russian side to establish a Russian checkpoint or a night shift to ensure overnight security at the monastery. Currently, our soldiers are on duty in Amaras. A Russian flag has been placed on the monastery. According to Father Geghard, during this period, high-ranking Russian military officials and clergymen have come, offering encouraging words, assuring there is no reason to worry as the Russian flag is displayed on the church.

“Several times Russian peacekeepers came, then Father Boris, Father Andreas, and even Muradov came with the president. They have seen the situation. Father Boris said, 'If there is a Russian flag on Amaras, then it is under the Russian contingent. Even if a single bullet comes your way, it will mean a violation of the agreement, for which the Azerbaijani side must answer,'” recounts Father Geghard.

Currently, the doors of the Amaras monastery are open, but the abbot calls for caution, urging pilgrims not to come at night and not to linger in the area, as he does not trust the Turks. Additionally, according to Father Geghard, there is a problem with the removal of bombs and shells in the area.

“The Russians still need to come and clear the area. We often advise people not to come to the church and not to linger in the area,” he says. According to the abbot, after the security issues are resolved, the Amaras monastery complex will have several monks who will stay overnight in the monastic complex. This decision was made under the instruction and encouragement of Catholicos Garegin II.