Today I have come primarily to see with my own eyes what I hear: the President in Syunik Province

During a working visit to Syunik Province, President Armen Sarkissian, accompanied by Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, visited the Goris City Hall, where he met with the leaders of the Goris community, Arush Arushanyan, and Sisian community leader Arthur Sarkissian, as well as heads of settlements included in the enlarged Goris community: Khndzoresk leader Yervand Malunts, Hartashen leader Armen Khachatryan, and Karahunj leader Lusine Avetyan.

President Sarkissian noted that the visit to Syunik was planned for a long time but had to be postponed due to the coronavirus infection rates. “I have come today primarily to see with my own eyes what I hear and to personally hear from you about the issues and think about how I can help,” said the President.

The community leaders presented to the President the situation and problems that have arisen after the war, emphasizing particularly urgent issues related to security and border demarcations. It was also noted that residents of border communities in the province, whose main occupation is livestock farming, are currently deprived of access to grazing lands, including certain plots of land that are privately owned, as they have come under Azerbaijani control. This further complicates an already difficult socio-economic situation.

Issues of unemployment were also raised, especially the difficulties arising in the tourism sector in Goris, as well as problems related to infrastructure.

Opportunities for the presidential institution to assist in solving these problems were also discussed at the meeting. In responding to the questions raised and addressing the reported issues, President Sarkissian stated that he would try to support their resolution within the limits of the presidential institution's powers.