All Citizens Who Haven't Lost Their Homes Due to War Have Returned to Artsakh, Minister

The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, Mesrop Arakelyan, announced in parliament today that the social and humanitarian issues in Artsakh have now been resolved.

"I assure you that there are currently no social and humanitarian problems in Artsakh. The most important confirmation of this is that on November 10, a few hundred residents remained in Artsakh, while today the population of Artsakh is over 100,000," said Arakelyan.

According to him, all citizens who did not lose their homes as a result of the war have returned to Artsakh. Additionally, around 5,000 residents from areas handed over to Azerbaijan have also returned.

The Minister stated that in the areas of Artsakh remaining under Armenian control, gas and electricity supplies have been completely restored. Moreover, one of the mobile phone operators provides connectivity with Armenia without roaming in Artsakh.

"The Government of Armenia has provided direct assistance to the residents of Artsakh amounting to 15 billion drams. This assistance allows the residents of Artsakh to fully meet their needs. Currently, several programs are being implemented in cooperation with the Artsakh government, which will significantly change the quality of life for the residents. In particular, from January, income tax will be completely reimbursed for Artsakh residents for six months," noted Arakelyan.

He added that the revenues of the Artsakh budget have decreased by 50 billion drams. According to the Minister, this amount will also be compensated by Armenia. Pension payments and salaries for state employees have not ceased in Artsakh.

"Armenia remains the guarantor of social security for Artsakh. There is no distinction between the citizens of Artsakh and those of Armenia in this regard," emphasized Arakelyan.

It is worth mentioning that on January 24, Mesrop Arakelyan visited Stepanakert, where he met with his counterpart Mane Tandilyan and several other high-ranking officials. They discussed joint projects being carried out and future programs.