Alternative route is not a solution as the road is under fire, residents and their homes: Ombudsman

The Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan informs through a Facebook post:     "At a high-level discussion at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I substantiated the urgency and basis for creating a demilitarized security zone, which involves the removal of Azerbaijani armed forces. On December 7, I had several hours of discussions at the French Foreign Ministry with high-ranking representatives. I detailed with specific examples and evidence that immediately after the war, Azerbaijani armed forces are grossly violating the rights of the Armenian population, starting from the moment they are positioned near the villages of Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces and along the roads between the communities of Syunik. I specifically addressed the blockages of the Goris-Kapan and Kapan-Jacatent roads in November. An alternative route is not a solution because it does not ensure the safety of the people; Azerbaijani armed forces are keeping the road under fire, threatening civilians and their homes. I pointed out that the real solution to eliminate violations is entirely different; it is the removal of Azerbaijani armed forces from the vicinity of our villages and roads. The foundation of this is the policy of hatred and enmity of the Azerbaijani authorities, which has not only not decreased but has deepened. Moreover, what I am saying applies to all their deployments and not just to the invasions of May. There should be a demilitarized (security) zone. This does not mean that we immediately decide what or whose territory it is; this will be determined later, at least as a result of the delimitation and demarcation process that has started concurrently, but everything must be done to restore normal life and security for the people. I have also presented the demands of the OSCE, the UN, and other international bodies, along with international experience that underpins this proposal. I also conveyed reports regarding the torture of Armenian prisoners of war, highlighting the urgency of their return and the illegal actions of the Azerbaijani authorities. Other issues were also discussed."