Azerbaijani Forces Have Deliberately Violated the Economic Rights of Armenian Citizens in Gegharkunik: RA Ombudsman

The Azerbaijani armed forces have deliberately violated the internationally guaranteed economic rights of Armenian citizens engaged in economic activities in the Gegharkunik region. This was reported by the RA Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan.

Specifically, the Ombudsman received a complaint from the director of a business involved in activities in a territory allocated by the Armenian government for 20 years. The complaint states that on November 25, 2020, Azerbaijani military personnel unlawfully entered the area with the threat of war, causing damages of approximately $5,000,000.

Based on the complaint, the Ombudsman’s office found that the Armenian government had issued a decision in December 2000 to grant a legal registered company 200 hectares of land in the Sotk mountain pass area of Gegharkunik (Geghamasar community) and signed a lease agreement for 30 years, ensuring state registration of property rights. The land was allocated for the construction and operation of a wind power plant for electricity generation. The company has already built two wind turbines on 75 hectares of this 200-hectare area.

Moreover, the company’s rights to the property were registered with the RA Cadastre Committee. In May 2018, the Public Services Regulatory Commission granted the company a license for electricity (capacity) production until May 2039. Additionally, the lease of the energy functionally significant land located in the village of Sotk has been extended until April 2048.

It is important to note that the allocation of the 200 hectares is based on the RA law