Residents of Verishen and Aknar Demand Inclusion in Border Communities List

The Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, accompanied by representatives of his office and the head of the Goris community, Arush Arushanyan, held meetings with residents of the villages of Verishen and Aknar. This information was reported by the office of the Human Rights Defender.

During the meetings, Arman Tatoyan presented the findings of his fact-finding mission regarding Lake Sevan and its surrounding areas. He informed the villagers that Azerbaijani armed individuals had made illegal advances into the territory of the Republic of Armenia on May 12, particularly towards Lake Sevan and residential areas, citing a blatantly false map. The Defender emphasized that the actions of the Azerbaijani military are devoid of any legal basis.

During the meeting with the Human Rights Defender, the villagers raised concerns about the presence of Azerbaijani military personnel in the area of Lake Sevan, stating that it grossly violates their fundamental rights and endangers their security and peaceful lives. They specifically mentioned that they are no longer able to utilize grazing lands or engage in livestock farming, which is a source of income for their families. They are unable to keep large and small livestock in pastures, provide them with water, or graze them, and they feel insecure about access to irrigation and water resources.

The presence of Azerbaijani military personnel poses a threat to their lives and safety and disrupts their mental peace. The residents highlighted that Verishen and Aknar should be included in the list of border communities in the Republic of Armenia, which would allow them to benefit from socio-economic privileges. One of the justifications for this request is that livestock farming is the primary source of income and sustenance for the residents, while the grazing lands of the villages are located around Lake Sevan and its vicinity.

The issues raised by the villagers will be summarized by the staff of the Human Rights Defender, based on which steps will be taken to ensure their rights, including safety and the provision of essential needs.