Video: 'We Will Continue the Fight for Aghavno, but for Berdzor...': Arayik Harutyunyan

Armenia has approved an alternative route connecting Artsakh to Stepanakert. This was announced by the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, during a session of the Artsakh National Assembly. He noted that multiple options were considered, and this one was ultimately selected.

Regarding the fact that the operation of this route would result in Berdzor and Aghavno going under Azerbaijani control, where hundreds of Armenians reside, Arayik Harutyunyan stated, 'Negotiations are currently ongoing, and we will see what possibilities exist. As far as I know, residents of Berdzor city and the village of Sus have received their compensations under our social programs. Regardless of everything, we must bypass Berdzor, and I estimate that the chances of our compatriots living in Berdzor are very low, whereas concerning Aghavno, we will continue our negotiations and our struggle.'

He mentioned that the issue of the highway has been discussed on various platforms and in all his meetings with NGOs and political forces. Harutyunyan indicated that they have received several proposals regarding the route from both Azerbaijan and Russia and added, 'All proposals have been rejected. The proposed highway has been discussed multiple times in the Security Council, with all political forces present in the Assembly. We have chosen what we believe is the best option. There are secrets I do not want to disclose here. Why did we choose this option? Based on our future security issues. After the road is finished, we will have the opportunity to voice our opinion on whether it meets the conditions we want and whether it will be safe. In my opinion, it will be significantly safer.'

Regarding the depopulation of those areas, he stated that this issue has not been discussed today: 'Mainly, it is about the village of Aghavno. This question has not yet been debated; we are negotiating. The discussion is not about Berdzor, as we are obliged, according to the relevant point in the declaration, to leave, while we have tasks related to Aghavno, and negotiations are ongoing regarding that; we have not told anyone to leave Berdzor.'

Metakse Hakobyan, a member of the 'Justice' faction in the Artsakh National Assembly, asked why the public, particularly the residents of that area, are not being informed about their fate, to which the President replied, 'Regarding Aghavno, during my discussion with the Prime Minister of Armenia, I stated that we are not discussing the Aghavno issue today; we are negotiating, so let’s see what possible solutions exist within our scope of negotiations. Currently, we have almost no residents in Sus. As far as I know, the residents of Berdzor and Sus have received their compensations under the social program.'

David Galstyan, a deputy from the 'Justice' faction, remarked that November 9, 2020, is not a verdict for them, and if one side, Azerbaijan, can violate almost all points, why can the other side not suspend at least one point's implementation? He asked if the problem lies with the negotiator. Arayik Harutyunyan replied that they could refuse to implement the sixth point but must also discuss the consequences. 'I too am against the policy of leaving Berdzor. Let’s gather and decide. We have discussed this in the Security Council, and we consider this to be the best solution. If we cancel our decision, we should inform the residents of the Republic of Artsakh first, because in terms of the change in the situation, political figures or officials living in Yerevan will not be held accountable, but we will bear the heavy consequences immediately, which I consider probable.'

Arayik Harutyunyan concluded by stating that discussions could be held the next day about which road would ensure their safety. 'Do you want us to present everything to the public regarding the security aspects of what we are building? We have problems today, unfortunately, we have such a treacherous network in our country that even when I leave my cabinet and enter the Assembly, Azerbaijanis learn about it at that very moment. Now do you want us to loudly announce worldwide why we chose this route? But we must also be responsible for the consequences; what outcomes will we have if we refuse this route? Let’s decide together. Let’s say we are against it, and we do nothing; we also do not leave Berdzor, but let’s think about the fate of our 120,000 residents.'