Many Communities in Syunik Face Significant Agricultural Issues, Says Goris Deputy Mayor

“This victory makes us even more responsible, we are preparing to get to work immediately, continuing the programs already implemented in Goris and introducing new initiatives, thinking about tomorrow,” said Goris Deputy Mayor Menua Hovsepyan in an interview with News.am regarding the steps to be taken after winning the local elections.

Menua Hovsepyan emphasized that any ruling force must realize that power is not eternal and that victorious moments are not guaranteed everywhere. He stated that the defeat in Goris should serve as a call for sobriety for the government.

“We must consider the viewpoints of our residents concerning border demarcation, roads, and overall issues of safety,” he added.

The re-elected deputy mayor of Goris believes that accessing the Goris-Kapan road is a top priority for the residents of Syunik, particularly Goris.

“If we lose that road, many problems will arise concerning the safety of our villages, the residents' desire to live there, and the stability of the future. We can put a thesis on the negotiation table to ensure this road is maintained. It guarantees the safety of our villages such as Vorotan, Shurnukh, and Bardzravan. I haven’t even started discussing the other existing problems in the region; the enemy has advanced in the area of Sevor Lake and has been on the territory of the Republic of Armenia for several months now. These issues must be voiced and addressed,” Hovsepyan stated.

Menua Hovsepyan did not consider the existence of alternative roads as a solution to security issues. “An alternative road is definitely not a guarantee of safety. The structure of the villages, their geographical location, and the economic component—the traffic provided by the interstate road—are very important factors. Without the interstate road, the villages will face serious economic issues,” he remarked.

According to the Goris Deputy Mayor, many communities in Syunik are already facing significant agricultural problems; agriculture is in a paralyzed state, issues have arisen concerning pastures and livestock farming, and animals owned by residents have come under the enemy’s control in occupied areas and have not yet been returned.

“Residents have many concerns, and the issues I raised are constantly being discussed by our citizens. I hope that together with our residents, we will try to address all the challenges that threaten the development of our community today,” concluded Menua Hovsepyan.