Vardenis-Martarert Road Reopening to be Discussed at Deputy Prime Ministers' Trilateral Meeting

The issue of reopening the Vardenis-Martarert road will be raised during the upcoming negotiations. In an interview with Factinfo, Vardenis Mayor Aram Melikyan noted that the government is aware of this urgent issue and has it in focus.

Reconstructed with funds collected by the entire Armenian community, the Vardenis-Martarert road has been closed to Armenians following the war, causing numerous difficulties for residents of both Gegharkunik Province and the Republic of Artsakh. According to Aram Melikyan, this issue is under the direct supervision of Gegharkunik Province Governor Gnel Sanosyan, with regular discussions ongoing regarding it.

“About 100 people from Vardenis work in Artsakh. Now residents have to travel 450-500 km to reach their workplaces. Additionally, 150-200 vehicles would pass through the Vardenis community daily, and naturally, some of them used various services, including automotive technical maintenance, dining spots, and grocery stores, so we are also suffering economically. This road is vital for Vardenis,” said the mayor.

He pointed out that there have been no cases where residents have given up their jobs due to the longer route replacing the Vardenis-Martarert road. According to him, everyone continues to go to work, albeit in shifts.

“I spoke with the governor about this issue just two hours ago. Based on our discussion, I understood that this matter is on the government's agenda and the government is also interested in having the road operational,” said Aram Melikyan.

When asked whether the issue of reopening the Vardenis-Martarert road could be included in the agenda of the first meeting of the trilateral working group established to unblock economic and transport connections, Aram Melikyan remarked that it is possible. “The deputy prime minister will also raise this issue. If we are discussing unblocking, then obviously all roads should be included,” added the Mayor of Vardenis.